Saina and Gopichand bury hatchet, shuttler back at Hyderabad academy
What's the story
Three years back, star shuttler Saina Nehwal and national coach Pullela Gopichand had parted ways. Now, they seem to have buried the hatchet, as Saina confirmed on Twitter that she is back at Gopichand's academy in Hyderabad. Apparently, the two had started talking again during last week's World Championships in Glasgow. Here's what she tweeted.
Twitter Post
Saina's tweet confirms that she would be back
For a while I've been thinking about moving my training base back to the Gopichand academy and I had a discussion about this with Gopi sir
— Saina Nehwal (@NSaina) September 4, 2017
Twitter Post
She expresses her gratitude!
and I am really thankful to him for agreeing to help me again . At this stage in my career I think he can help me achieve my goals .
— Saina Nehwal (@NSaina) September 4, 2017
Without Gopi
How Saina fared without Gopichand?
When Saina left Gopichand's academy to start training under Vimal Kumar in Bengaluru in 2014, she was already a well-established shuttler. Under Vimal, she scaled new heights. Saina surged to the world No. 1 spot, reached the All England final and also bagged two World Championship medals. However, injuries hampered her form and she slumped from her No.1 spot.
A good reunion?
What this reunion could mean for the fans?
It was this duo which popularized the sport in the country for the first time; Saina won a number of titles and went on to become the first Indian Olympic medalist in badminton, with Gopichand as her coach. Saina can definitely be back to her best form under Gopichand's able guidance and, for badminton fans, this comes as a very exciting news.