Gopi Chand discusses India's badminton growth, the upcoming World Championships, and the future of the sport's young talent.

P. Gopi Chand, a distinguished figure in Indian badminton, has made a significant impact as a coach, overshadowing his own achievements as a player. Once an All England champion, Gopi Chand has been pivotal in nurturing a new generation of badminton talent in India, including renowned athletes like Saina Nehwal and P.V. Sindhu. His academy, which opened several years ago, has become a cornerstone for aspiring players. In 2009, the World Badminton Championships were held in Hyderabad, marking a historic moment for India as it hosted the prestigious event for the first time. Now, seventeen years later, the tournament returns to India, this time in New Delhi, showcasing the country's growth in the sport.

Since that inaugural event, India has made remarkable strides, securing a total of 15 medals at the World Championships, highlighted by Sindhu's groundbreaking gold medal in 2019. As the excitement builds for the upcoming championships set to commence on Monday, Gopi Chand reflects on the evolution of badminton in India and the contrasting aspirations of today’s players compared to his own generation. He firmly believes that comparisons between the two eras are not only unfair but also irrelevant. “Today’s challenges are today’s, and today’s opportunities are today’s,” he stated in a recent interview. He emphasized that while his generation focused on playing well and securing jobs, today’s athletes are driven by a desire to become world champions.

Gopi Chand's perspective is further enriched by his personal experiences as a father. His daughter, Gayatri, has emerged as a formidable player in her own right, achieving notable success as a double Commonwealth Games medallist and reaching the semifinals of the All England Championships twice. He expressed pride in her accomplishments, stating, “Forget about what I have done. As a parent, that makes me happy and proud.” Gopi Chand is optimistic about the future of Indian badminton, viewing the upcoming World Championships as a pivotal opportunity for the next generation of players. “I’m looking forward to the next generation of champions,” he remarked, highlighting the potential for further growth in the sport as India continues to make its mark on the global stage.