WINS or losses notwithstanding, a player must fulfil his true potential and give his best, feels chief national coach of the Indian badminton team Pullela Gopichand. “As a coach, I always try to do what is best for the student. I don’t mind if a player loses or wins, what matters most is whether one has fulfilled one’s true potential. Defeats are just as important as victories and players must not be afraid of losing. Every defeat is a learning opportunity,” said Gopichand on the sidelines of inauguration of Arun Arundhati Badminton Academy (AABA) that has been started by two of his favourite disciples — Arun Vishnu and Arundhati (Pantawane) in the city. Acknowledging that life of a coach is more demanding and tougher than a player, Gopichand said, “I have to deal with different emotions with different players. Some listen to simple advice while some have to be scolded.

 

The saddest part in coaching is you have to part away with those not up to the mark. I have to take new students (in the academy) and the non-performing ones have to make space for them. I feel very sad at letting them go ... but this is the only way,” said the former ace shuttler. Earlier, the inauguration was graced by Nagpur District Badminton Association President Kundatai Vijaykar, Secretary Mangesh Kashikar, ABBA’s Arun Vishnu and Arundhati, and members of Nayse family (owners of the academy). Dr Ram Thakur conducted the proceedings.