Gopi Chand: ‘Srikanth now is one of the best players in the contemporary era’

Gopi felt that the World No. 1 ranking means a lot to Srikanth, individually, as he can now move around with a lot of freedom and with a feeling of “I have done this”, and look ahead for bigger goals.

P. Gopi Chand (right), says that it is a fantastic feeling to see another World No. 1 from his Academy, in the form of K. Srikanth, scaling the summit of rankings in badminton men’s singles. (File Photo)

India’s chief national badminton coach P. Gopi Chand said that it was a fantastic feeling to see another player from his academy become the World No. 1; K. Srikanth achieved the feat in the men’s singles on Thursday.

“When we started the academy we never thought about these things. But, I am definitely pleased with the way the players have responded to the challenges over the years thanks to the wonderful support staff and a scientific coaching system we have,” Gopi told Sportstar from Gold Coast, venue of the on-going Commonwealth Games.

READ: Kidambi Srikanth becomes world No.1

Gopi said that the World No. 1 ranking would mean a lot to Srikanth individually as he can now move around with freedom and a feeling of “I have done this” and look forward to bigger goals.

“He is a different player now and one of the best in the contemporary era. This achievement will definitely bring in a lot of positivity and I believe he can win more titles as this is a big year for badminton itself,” he said.

“This feat by Srikanth, coming midway through the singles competitions at the CWG, should definitely inspire not just him but also the other players to raise the bar as it augurs well for Indian badminton,” said Gopi.