Exclusive! Virat Kohli can be an inspiration to every sports person: Pullela Gopichand

New Delhi, Sep 12: India cricketing superstar Virat Kohli was clearly the centre of attraction during the launch of Indian sports awards, to honour sports-persons for their outstanding achievements, here in the capital on Friday (September 8).

The other guests who were sharing the dais with the Indian captain were Dronacharya Awardee national badminton coach Pullela Gopichand and Dipa Malik, the silver-winning Para-Olympic shot-putter in Rio.

However, none had ever imagined that Kohli, taking the mic in his hands, would begin by heaping praise over Gopichand.

The national badminton coach, who's students like Saina Nehwal, PV Sindhu, and Kidambi Srikanth are touching new heights, returned to Hyderabad after the press-conference was moved with Kohli's gesture.

When MyKhel contacted Gopichand to ask about his experience of spending the time with Indian cricket team’s skipper, the former seemed elated.

He commented, “I simply could not believe that Virat Kohli would start his lecture with an appreciation for me. Most interestingly, I got a little nostalgic when Kohli mentioned that he had watched my All England championship final on the television along with friends. He can be an example to country’s any sportspersons.”

Gopichand revealed that he returned Hyderabad with a recording of Kohli’s speech.

He added further, “I will ask each and every student in my academy to listen to Kohli’s speech, delivered in the function. It is brief but it will be very inspiring for the students.”

According to Gopichand, the key message in Kohli’s speech was that no one should give up in whatever condition he or she remains. The fighting spirit will finally steer the athlete towards ultimate success."

When asked about Saina’s comeback to his academy Gopichand seemed unperturbed.

He said, “I have trained Saina for ten consecutive years. So, she is not new to me. I am hopeful that she would regain her old touch once again.”