Raj Bhavan lucky venue for Badminton players: Governor

Hyderabad, June 27: Raj Bhavan has proved to be a lucky venue for Badminton players, said Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan, during a function organised at Raj Bhavan to felicitate Kidambi Srikanth, who won the two consecutive super series titles of Australia Open Super Series and Indonesia Open Super Series, within one month.

The Governor recalled that it was exactly a year ago during the felicitation function of PV Sindhu that he spotted the spark in Kidambi Srikanth and expected that he would win many championship tournaments in future and he has proved me right, said the Governor. Governor also said that every year the venue will see many Badminton Super stars churned out.

Narasimhan said that it was a Super Afternoon for Raj Bhavan that the illustrious National Coach Dronacharya Gopichand along with his disciples were present at the Raj Bhavan. Governor said that he has a special attachment with Gopichand Academy as it has churned out more number of Badminton champions from the States of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Governor said that Gopichand looks a nice person but he is tough man as a Coach. He said that anybody who joins the Gopichand Academy has no choice but to come out as a champion.

The Governor also said that the aspiring sports persons have nowhere else to look but within our country for sports development as the country has excellent sports infrastructure such as the Gopichand Badminton Academy. Governor urged the Badminton champions to stay with the Academy and bring glory to Hyderabad city, State and the country.

Replying to the felicitations, Gopichand said it was a privilege for them to come to Raj Bhavan to receive the felicitations. He said they have always received great support from Governor and the felicitations received by them at Raj Bhavan has boosted their morale and motivated the players to achieve greater heights. He said that it is an amazing experience for them to come to Raj Bhavan and receive the felicitations at the hands of the Governor. Gopichand recalled that many people do not know that many years ago he came and requested the Governor to save the Academy and Governor has generously come forward and helped the Academy overcome the troubles in the beginning years. He said in those years corporates didn’t believe him and the Academy struggled to stand on its feet. Gopichand said that with the blessings and good wishes of the Governor, the Academy has made greater strides in the field of Badminton in the country and churned out several champions. It is a personal feeling for them to come to Raj Bhavan, participate in the felicitation function more particularly on the occasion of winning the highest number of Super Series Titles in Badminton. (INN)