Pullela Gopichand

Born on 16th November 1973, Pullela Gopichand is the chief coach of the Indian Badminton team and a well-known former badminton player. He has coached the burgeoning badminton stars of India such as Saina Nehwal, Parupalli Kashyap, P. V. Sindhu, and Arun Vishnu in his badminton academy situated in Hyderabad since 2008.

Some of his greatest contribution as a coach and major encompassments as a player is listed here:-

• 2016- Gopichand was applauded for coaching P.V.Sindhu who won a silver medal in the Summer Olympics and also for serving the Olympic badminton team as a coach.
• 2014- The Government of India honored Gopichand with the third highest civilian award "Padma Bhushan" for his astounding efforts in badminton both as a player and a coach.
• 2012- His disciple Saina Nehwal secured a bronze medal in women's singles in the Summer Olympics held in London.
• 2009- He received the prestigious Dronacharya Award presented by the Ministry of Youth affairs and sports of India for his true-blue coaching efforts to the up-and-coming sports stars.
• 2001- As a prolific badminton player, he won the "All England Open Badminton Championship” being the second Indian badminton player to win the championship after Prakash Padukone.
• 1998- At the Commonwealth Games which were held in Kuala Lumpur, he bagged a silver medal in men's team and bronze in men's singles.