Sindhu’s defeats are not her failure, says coach Gopichand

“I am not too bothered about a loss if the progression is happening. We are talking about very high level players here, world number 1s and 3s. It is not like we have been producing world No 1s forever in our country,” Gopichand said. 

“World No 1 Tai Tzu is playing well but Sindhu beat her at the Olympics, when it mattered. She also reached the world championship finals. Yes, some may argue that second is not good enough but I am more positive. I am happy with her result. I cannot think of it as a failure even by 1 per cent.” 

Gopichand said his main target this year is to ensure that his wards deliver at big-ticket events such as the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games. 

“The two major events, which are coming up are the CWG in Gold Coast and the Asian Games in Jakarta. We also have the World Championship and the All England. I know the number of tournaments will be a lot. For me, it is important the players keep working and do well in the big events,” he said. 

Gopichand said India needs better structure and coaches to produce a consistent line of players, who can keep bringing laurels to the country in badminton.