National badminton coach Pullela Gopichand reached his first five-star Grand Prix final at the Indian Open when it was last held in 1999. Nine years on, the Grand Prix is back in Gopichand’s hometown, Hyderabad. Quiz him on burning issues that consumed Indian badminton not too long ago and he says: “The year wasn't good or bad, we had a mixed year with positive streaks. The juniors did well and it is only going to get busier with the World Championships next year, where we have to showcase our talent,” he coos.The lack of stars in the sport worries the former national champion. “We need stars in badminton, idols the next generation can emulate.”
