Pullela Gopichand praises PV Sindhu for her fighting spirit in World Superseries Finals

Pullela Gopichand praises PV Sindhu for her fighting spirit in World Superseries Finals

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Pullela Gopichand has credited PV Sindhu despite the latter losing the final of World Superseries Finals and revealed that the player had been feeling unwell throughout the tournament. The former All-England champion has also suggested that for further success, they have to forget their last loss.

PV Sindhu failed to overcome the final hurdle yet again, going down against Akane Yamaguchi in the women's singles final of the World Superseries Finals on Sunday. In an hour and 31 minutes game, Sindhu managed to win the first game but lost the last two to lose the final 21-15, 12-21, 19-21. However, Gopichand disclosed that Sindhu was not feeling well throughout the tournament and despite illness, she managed to put some fight in the front of the World No 2.

"The final was very difficult and Sindhu was down with a cold. She was sweating and constantly wiping her nose. Credit to her for still putting up such a fight," Gopichand told TOI.

Usually, Gopichand seemed calm in the court-side even during the intense match of their wards but the fans witnessed an animated Gopichand in the final of the tournament.

“The situation was such that I had to get more involved. Yes, I am usually calm during matches," he said. 

"This time, it was the situation that probably forced me to appear more animated. I had to connect with Sindhu differently and she had to dig deep into her reserves after the first game."

Apart from Sindhu, Kidambi Srikanth was also featured in the tournament but suffered three straight loss in the men's singles. Gopichand believes that the players have to focus on their upcoming challenges and for that, they have to stop thinking about their last loss and start with a new hope every time.

"To succeed, it is very, very important to put your last loss behind you and move on quickly," the 44-year-old said. 

"You cannot allow a player to get down or think too much about what went wrong or what didn't work to plan. Staying fresh mentally is critical. As a coach, I have to help the player move on from a loss."

In the recent past, Indian shuttlers have made their way in the big platforms by going neck-to-neck with the foreign players. There is no doubt on the role of Gopichand who managed to unearth good talents and prepare them for the mega-events. 

"It is here that as a coach, I keep the motivation up and help her move on from defeat. It can have an impact on a player's mindset. We have a huge year ahead, with the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, 12 Super Series, the Indian GP and lastly the Super Series Finals. Players have to keep focused on what is ahead."

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