Shuttler chasing an Olympian dream

In fact, since 1999 is the Olympic Qualifying year, many of the players have been working hard at their game. Going by Gopi’s record of accomplishment, success was long overdue. Consider this: in the French Open he lost to the world No.6 Chen Gang of China in three games; the Danish Open to world champion Sun Jun (China); the German Open to Xia Xuanze (China), indicating losses to higher-ranked opponents.

On the contrary, success, when it finally came, was against players a notch or two above him. In Toulouse it was Ukraine’s Druszhenko and Richard Vaughan of Wales, both among the top-35 of the world. Gopi himself gives credit to his stint in the German League (Bundesleiga) for the successes he has had.

Critics however feel Gopi’s one problem has been consistency. As Prakash said recently, “Gopi is dedicated and a hard worker in practice sessions and needs to channelise it properly. Gopi’s got the speed and fitness to match the top guns but lacks game sense at crutial times against the Chinese and Indonesians.”

Similarly, Morten Frost, Prakash’s rival and sparring partner in the 80’s, opined, that he was a typical Indian player with the beautiful wristy shots. And added that he ought to work on the pace in his game and bring more power in his smashes.

With victories over Olympic champions Alan Budi Kusuma and Poul-Erik Hoyer Larsen, apart from Budi Santoso, Chen Gang, Lou Yigang, Tomas Johansson in the past, Gopi at 26 is at his peak, “and still has 2-3 years of good international badminton left in him’,’ feels Prakash.

Two victories on the trot would definitely boost Gopi’s confidence ahead of the Sydney Olympics. Gopi’s target is to make it to the top-29 for an automatic berth.

RISE OF GOPI CHAND :

ACHIEVEMENT’S IN 1997
Polish Open: Q/F’s
World Cup: Runners-up in Group
Danish Open: PQ/F’s
SAS Trophy (Austria) : Runners-up
German Ranking: Winner
National’s: Singles Winner
Rank: World.43 India.1

ACHIEVEMENT’S IN 1998
All England: Pre Q/F’s
C’wealth Games: Silver (Team)
National’s — Winner
Rank: World.30 India.1

ACHIEVEMENT’S IN 1999
Chinese Taipei (5 Star): Pre Q/F’s
Korean Open (5 Star Event): II Round
All England — I Round
French Open — Runners-Up
World Championship — I Round
Malaysian Open — I Round
Thailand Open — I Round
Singapore Open — I Round
German Open — Runners-Up
Danish Open — II Round
Toulouse Open — Winner
Scottish Open – Winner
National’s — Winner
Rank: World.41 India.1

`WINS HAVE DONE WORLD OF GOOD’
Two titles — in the Toulouse Open and Scottish Open — and finalist in the tough German Open Grand Prix has given a much-needed boost to Pullela Gopi Chand’s career. “It has naturally done a world of good to me,” said the soft-spoken Gopichand while talking to The Indian Express. Gopi a bit disappointed when he landed in India without his baggage, was excited on playing in the Asian Satellite badminton tournament in his home town. The last few months, though hectic proved fruitful for the hard-working national champion. “Of course, I treasure the two title wins but I was very happy with my performance in the German Open Grand Prix where the top ranked players were there.” Gopi had lost to the 17th ranked Xia Xuanze of China in three games. “He was quick and he deserved to win the title,” said Gopi.

Asked about the difference between the Indians and the stars from China, Indonesia, Denmark, Gopi said “we need to work on our agility, speed and power to match the top ranked players.” As far as fitness was concerned, he thought Indians had improved considerably. “Fitness is our strength now,” he said. Gopi Chand was happy that Indian players were doing a fine job in international circuits. “I think we had the best moments in recent years. Nikhil, Siddarth, Abhinn all have done a superb job. There is a lot of bench strength in Indian team now. It is a good sign,” said Gopi Chand.

— (N Jagannath Das)