Virat Kohli is an inspiration for all sportsperson, says Pullela Gopichand

Virat Kohli stole the limelight at the Indian Sports awards where sportspersons of the country were rewarded for their outstanding achievements and contributions, in New Delhi on September. Kohli nailed the Friday look with perfection as he looked dapper in a black suit and his thick stubble.

Dronacharya Awardee national badminton coach Pullela Gopichand and Dipa Malik, the silver-winning Para-Olympic shot-putter in Rio were the other heavyweights of Indian sports who were present on stage with Virat Kohli. However, Pullela Gopichand was surprised when Virat Kohli began his speech by showering praises on the national badminton coach. With Gopichand’s students like Saina Nehwal, PV Sindhu and Kidambi Srikanth doing wonders, Gopichand’s contribution to Indian badminton can’t be compared.

What Gopichand said:

Speaking about the same Gopichand said “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.”.

The former Indian badminton player revealed that he got hold of a recording of Virat Kohli’s speech and returned to Hyderabad with it. He added “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.”

Gopichand pointed out that Kohli’s speech gives us the message that no athlete should choose the path of quitting no matter how tough the situation may be. The determination and fighting spirit of the individual will take him towards success.

Gopichand’s student Saina Nehwal has been going through a low phase in her career. Speaking about whether Saina will come back to her ravishing self once again, Gopichand 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.”