Saina's Olympic medal was special for me; all shuttlers stand equal chance of winning: Gopichand

THE NATIONAL CHIEF COACH OF BADMINTON, Pullela Gopichand said that all shuttlers part of the seven-member contingent representing India at Olympics stand equal chance to win a medal.

"All of our players have a chance to win. Of course, Saina's name will be prominent. That said, PV Sindhu, Kidambi Srikanth, the men's and women's doubles pairs (Manu Attri/ P Sumeeth Reddy and Jwala Gutta/ Ashwini Ponnappa) all have equal chances. It all boils down to ensuring that they perform well on those days. Pressure grows but with our players peaking at the right time, we should be able to do a good job," said to DNA.

He also stressed upon the fact that how the over the years the mindset has changed. Everyone who goes out there either for Olympics or any international tournament, all of them want to win.

"In the past, when sportspersons went for Olympics or other international tournaments, 90 per cent of the contingent would go there collecting memorabilia and autographs. They went there just to experience the atmosphere. Today, it has changed."

"The belief in our Indian athletes over the years has grown. Today, all of the athletes go there with the mindset to win and prove they are worthy enough of having qualified for the Games. Earlier, people would stay back for the closing ceremony. Today, you hardly find even 10 staying back for the closing ceremony. You have to force people to stay back. People want to go and win matches. Anything short of medals, they are not happy, If they lose, they want to run and hide. That is the mindset we have. The positive thing is the growth in the mindset of India. They are not in awe of the Olympics. To go out and there and perform is the mindset."

When asked what he thinks is the reason for this change,

"India as a nation has grown. The media, the exposure, the fearlessness in the players have made their mark on the sportspersons."

Gopichand recalls Saina's win at the London 2012 Olympics as his greatest moment.

"Saina's medal at the Olympics was a very important thing personally for me as a coach and us as a badminton team. The medal at the London Olympics was very special. Having said that, the Olympics spirit of getting there, competing, giving your best and making our countrymen proud is very special."

The team of shuttlers will leave for Rio on 3rd August and their competition begins on 11th.