India’s chief National badminton coach P. Gopi Chand says that his most famous ward and Rio Games silver medallist, P.V. Sindhu, is adept at giving the right response — both on and off the court.
“It was not just the great game she played out there for the whole week but the way she responded to some of the simple things I asked her to do like handing over the mobile, the iPad and not insisting on having her favourite sweet curd. She did all these things with a smile and not putting up a grim face. These things really helped me focus more on the game,” said the coach in an interview with The Hindu from Rio on Saturday.
“Yes, the best part in Rio was that every moment was a pleasure because of the kind of atmosphere. For us, especially, we were all in the same block — including the two physios Kiran and Subodh. They did a terrific job too. So we used to go out for dinner or for a walk together and even the competition arena was pretty close to our room. These things helped us in saving time, to plan out much better and stay focused,” Gopi said.
Amazing fitness“Well, I definitely believe the key to the super Sindhu show was her ability to raise the game when it was needed and her amazing fitness levels,” Gopi said. “She played the game a notch higher than she normally does. She came up with a brilliant all-round game and was arguably at her best in Rio,” he pointed out.
What was the mood before the final? “After taking it match by match, we decided to give our best for the one last shot at the gold. We had nothing to lose. A medal was assured and still the objective was to finish off on a high and fight it out till the last point,” Gopi said.
“I am glad that Sindhu put up a great show even in the final, coming back quite a few times after being down. But, we must acknowledge Marin played a great game under pressure,” he said.
Referring to the famous Sindhu-Gopi bond, the jubilant coach said, “I started the early morning training schedules just for her and the silver is a result of seven long years of planning,” he said. “I wish her silver will inspire many more in my academies to dream big and work hard.”
What was the big difference for him as a coach in Rio compared to London Olympics? “I think we had more time to prepare. This time around, everything went off well and it is reflected in Sindhu’s mental toughness,” Gopi said.
How difficult was it for him as a coach in terms of expectations after India’s dismal show in some disciplines with only Sakshi Malik winning the wrestling bronze before Sindhu’s silver?
“Well, the feeling of not winning a medal was always haunting. One should remember all those who failed to get going will also feel equally disappointed.
“So, we were just hoping to win a medal in badminton and glad that Sindhu has become the first-ever Indian woman to win a silver medal in Olympics. What more can I ask for from my trainee in her maiden Olympics after showing such great composure and maturity? She played like a champion,” Gopi said.
