Wanted: Idols!

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 Gopichand8217;s hometown, Hyderabad. Quiz him on burning issues that consumed Indian badminton not too long ago and he says: 8220;The year wasn8217;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,8221; he coos.The lack of stars in the sport worries the former national champion. 8220;We need stars in badminton, idols the next generation can emulate.8221;