While the league is helpful, decision to play PBL or take rest depends on the player: Gopichand

PULLELA GOPICHAND, the chief national coach said that Premier Badminton League helps shuttlers to boost their career but players have to decide for themselves whether they should play for the country or the PBL especially in a time when they are recovering from an injury. 

"The previous Indian Badminton League was very helpful for young players and definitely a great boost for existing players too. For instance, Kidambi Srikanth matured into a good player, taking off from the previous IBL. So, I am sure that the league will be a great help for players moving forward," Gopichand told PTI. 

When asked if Saina should be playing in the PBL when she needs to gain vital rest to fully recover from injury ahead of Rio Olympics, Gopichand said,

"I don't want to go into specifics of individual players, especially I am not training with and I am sure her (Saina Nehwal) team will decide that. The individuals players and their team will have to take that choice." 

Gopichand was in the city to attend the GoSports Foundation Conclave. 

Commenting on whether it is the 'Golden Era' of badminton Gopichand said that the country was seeing some of the best results in individual category, but as a team it has not been that great. 

"Definitely, what we are seeing is some of the best results we had. We had individual players that have done well in the past, but a s a team it has not been that great," he said. 

Talking about if the 6 Indian players who are in top 20 could win an Olympic medal he said,

"I think all good players are capable of getting us a medal in Olympic, but it all depends on how they are faring and what kind of form they are in."