Gangtok: Badminton legend Pullela Gopichand, currently touring Sikkim as Vice President of Badminton Federation of Indiawas in focus after Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Golay announced on Tuesday a partnership to send 10-15 talented players to Gopichand Academy each year.
Focus has also shifted to the development of badminton infrastructure in the Himalayan state.
The CM announced that the government would adopt a budget for the construction of badminton courts. This development has been welcomed by Sikkimese Shuttles and those associated with the Badminton Association of Sikkim, who have been following the endeavor for years.
Pullela Gopichand, who watched and participated in the final of the Governor’s Cup for Badminton at Paljor Stadium on Tuesday, held an interactive discussion with players, coaches, technical officers and administrators on June 15th.
Referring to infrastructure development such as courts, the head national badminton coach said: “People at the world level are not the ones with the best facilities. The facilities will help you, but they are not solely responsible for success. My journey will be successful if we can have more badminton courts. The Badminton Association of Sikkim is trying with the Chief Minister’s blessing, we should have more courts.”
Regarding the development of Gopichand Academy in Sikkim, the Padma Bhusan laureate said, “From Badminton Association of India and Gopichand Academy, we will try our best to provide facilities for players in the future. We have had discussions with the Badminton Association of Sikkim about this. In the coming days we will organize guided tours and programs. Land becomes a bigger issue when it comes to infrastructure development. Getting flat land in the hills is always a challenge. But with the government’s keen interest, we can find an answer. I think it’s an important step to ensure we can produce more players in the future.”
On the development of the national-level athletes from Sikkim, Gopichand shared: “In general, people living in the mountainous region have better lung capacity. Her strength is also more. Both qualities are important for the sport. I see there are many players here; You have a good physique. If they get more facilities, they could one day represent the country in the years to come.”
Gopichand also fought for female athletes. He said: “Even if you want to play sports as a player, coach, technical officer, physiotherapist or administrator, the opportunities are huge. People are fewer, especially women. All ladies who play continue the sport. Gender equality is very important in sport; We want more female players to come to the sport. We are looking for trainers, administrators or technical officials; Ladies are very important. Don’t leave the sport, stay with it.”
Praise the interest of Sikkim government in sport, particularly badminton, Gopichand said: “Tournaments like the Governors Cup, when the Governor and Chief Minister consider it a celebration, staying and playing for many hours is a great encouragement. This is one of the first (touring) projects that we (BAI) are embarking on, which will surely help. I hope trips like this will bear fruit by having more infrastructure and letting more players play exhibition games, which inspires people and keeps the focus on the sport.”
Gopichand stressed that sporting development in the country only started in the last decade. “Only in the last 10 years has the sport really taken off in India. If it was in the 1980s or 90s, we can’t tell. But now in 10 years a lot will change in the sport and hopefully it will get better. Maybe in 3 or 5 years opportunities and sport will grow in our country. The Indian government is doing a lot. Every state government does; We are at the right time.”
“Like the Indian government and their plans, be it Khelo India or Fit India, through these programs there is always room for improvement for the players. I’m sure such programs have benefited gamers across the country in recent years. It might be a bit slow to get to every corner of the country but I’m sure with the kind of energy and the facilities, the programs that are going on. I think it’s only a matter of time before Sikkim players get the chance to become the best in the country and the world.”
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