Gopi Chand on a different mission

By V.V. Subrahmanyam

HYDERABAD, OCT. 15. All England badminton champion, Pullela Gopi Chand, is on a different mission. He hinted about mobilising opinion of a majority of the top players to review the existing seven-point format, with the International Badminton Federation (IBF).

The 27-year-old star performer, whose All England title virtually triggered off a second revolution in Indian badminton after Prakash Padukone's feat in 1980, feels the problem is that even some top players from China, Indonesia and Korea are in favour of this format.

``It is a fact that I did make an attempt earlier also to ensure unity among the top 10 players in this regard but the response was lukewarm,'' he remarked. ``As the IBF is scheduled to review the new format by June next year, it is imperative for all those players who are not happy with the system to express their dissent in one voice,'' he feels.

Interestingly, most of the Chinese and Koreans, who are now for this seven-point format, were at one stage really upset. Even the AGM of the Asian Badminton Confederation held in Manila recently resolved to oppose this system, says a delegate who attended it. Since the Koreans and Chinese have adjusted to the new format quite well and are also winning titles, they do not want it to be reviewed for obvious reasons.

Unfortunately, though many agree with Gopi, most of them are not willing to come out openly. Gopi also has a point when he says that if the new format is really successful in luring more sponsors and attracting bigger crowds then it is fine. ``But, I don't think so. The IBF must take into confidence the players before framing any rules and regulations,'' was his sincere feeling.

Apparently, Gopi Chand is finding it difficult to adjust to the new format which does not give him the time to settle down. Basically he is a slow starter and once in the groove, a force to reckon with. And much to his chagrin, the switch over to the new format had taken place immediately after his All England triumph. And coupled with this are the injury woes. The cumulative effect is that he was out of action for the last two months and will be virtually making a comeback in the Danish Open commencing on Wednesday.

Gopi, after returning home from Denmark, will in all probability go to England for some intensive training. ``Virtually, the Danish Open can well be my last event for this year unless there is a dramatic change in the schedule,'' he observed.

Interestingly, Gopi's coach S.M. Arif feels that it is only a matter of time before Gopi dictates terms in the circuit, even under the current format, as it gives the player a breather which is so important in this competitive world. ``See, one should always remember that no one can question his class. My advice to him during the training sessions is to have extra warm- up sessions, play a little longer before a match. Afterall the emphasis is on speed and endurance. Once he adapts to this, Gopi will be devastating,'' the Dronacharya Awardee explained.

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Section  : Sport
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