Do you know who has been instrumental in taking Indian badminton to unprecedented heights? Is it Saina Nehwal, P.V. Sindhu, or someone else?
It’s their coach, Pullela Gopichand, who had lasting impact on Indian Badminton landscape both as a Player and a Coach. Gopichand has had an illustrious career as a badminton player, winning several national and international titles, including the prestigious All England Open Badminton Championships in 2001. After retiring from professional play, Gopichand turned to coaching. He established the Gopichand Badminton Academy, which has produced world-class players like Saina Nehwal, P.V. Sindhu, and Kidambi Srikanth. Gopichand has significantly elevated the status of Indian badminton on the world stage. Hi achievements and contributions have not only brought recognition to Indian badminton but have also inspired a generation of athletes to strive for excellence, making him a revered national hero in India.
Last week, at Adobe’s Summit, I had the privilege of hearing from the legendary Pullela Gopichand. His insights on life and sports were truly eye-opening. Here are three key takeaways that resonated deeply with me.
Celebrate the Process, Not Only the Results
Gopichand emphasized the importance of celebrating the journey, not just the end result. “Focusing solely on the winners overlooks the effort and potential of many who might not have had luck on their side,” he said. “It’s crucial to recognize the hard work and dedication that goes into the process, irrespective of the outcome.”
“There were many peer players who used to play better than me, but maybe destiny was not with them,” he shared. This perspective underscores that success is not solely based on talent and effort but also on factors beyond our control.
He also highlighted that talent is everywhere. “Instead of singling out a few, we should nurture and appreciate the inherent talents in everyone. Success is not merely a product of talent; luck and destiny play significant roles. By celebrating the process, we foster an environment where everyone feels valued and motivated.”
Encouraging Sports in Children
When asked about how to determine if a child likes a sport and whether it can be a career, Gopichand had a refreshing perspective. “Every child should experience being a professional athlete, not with the sole aim of winning medals but for the invaluable lessons sports teach,” he explained.
“In today’s world, where instant gratification is common, children often miss out on learning from failures. Overindulgent parenting shields them from challenges, which can impede their growth. Sports, however, instill team spirit and resilience.”
Gopichand argued that sports should be seen as a habit for fitness rather than a career choice. “While our population is going up, our physical health is going down. Engaging in sports helps children explore their physical limits and discover their true potential.”
Gopichand noted that the lessons learned in sports are invaluable during adulthood as professionals.
“Sports help you become more resilient, demonstrate true sportsmanship, and build confidence. These qualities are essential in the professional world, where challenges and failures are inevitable. The discipline and teamwork learned in the field translate directly into the workplace.”
Staying Humble Amidst Achievements
Despite his numerous accolades, including the All England Open Badminton Championships, the prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, the Padma Shri, and the Padma Bhushan, Gopichand remains incredibly humble.
One of our colleague asked him, “How do you manage to stay so grounded despite your achievements?” His response was profound. “I can’t take full credit for my achievements,” he said with a gentle smile. “Destiny played a major role in my life. I couldn’t control the doctors who operated on my knees or my early introduction to badminton. Recognizing the factors outside my control, I attribute only a small part of my success to my efforts.”
He continued, “It’s easy to get carried away with success, but remembering the role of luck and the support from others keeps me humble. We should always acknowledge the contributions of those around us and the unpredictable elements of life that shape our journey.”
Meeting Pullela Gopichand was a humbling experience. His life lessons remind us to value the journey, encourage holistic development through sports, and remain grounded no matter how high we soar. These insights are for everyone striving for a balanced and fulfilling life.
Thank you! – Vinit
