Pullela Gopichand: Can't take anything for granted at CWG

Gopichand during the GD Birla badminton tourney at Bombay Gymkhana. Pic/Atul Kamble

Gopichand during the GD Birla badminton tourney at Bombay Gymkhana. Pic/Atul Kamble

Chief national badminton coach Pullela Gopichand expressed confidence over India coming up with a significant performance at April's Commonwealth Games in the Gold Coast, but did not shy away from expressing himself about the challenges that the shuttlers will face in Australia.

"It's going to be a tough challenge. Malaysia will challenge us in the men's singles, doubles and while we are strong contenders in the women's category there are players like Kirsty Gilmour (Scotland) and Michelle Li (Canada), who will be tough opponents. Hopefully, we will win medals but we can't take anything for granted," Gopichand said on Saturday during the final day of the GD Birla Memorial Masters tournament at Bombay Gymkhana. "Preparations have started for the Commonwealth Games, but before that there is the All England (March 14-18). We are well prepared for both events," he added.

Men's doubles 45+ final
Ayaz Bilawala/Shailesh Daga beat Bibhash Chatterjee/Yogesh Sanghvi 21-9, 21-17

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