Pullela Gopichand
Pullela Gopichand, the renowned Indian badminton player and coach, was born on November 16, 1973, in the vicinity of Chirala Town, Prakasam district, Andhra Pradesh. His parents, Mr. Pullela Subash Chandra and Mrs. Pullela Subbaravamma played a crucial role in shaping his life. Interestingly, cricket initially caught Gopichand’s attention, but it was his elder brother who encouraged him to pursue badminton. Gopichand’s family later settled in Nizamabad, and he completed his schooling at St. Paul’s High School in Hyderabad. He went on to join A. V. College, Hyderabad, where he graduated in public administration. During his college years, Gopichand captained the Indian combined universities badminton team in 1990 and 1991, showcasing his talent and dedication even at a young age.
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Personal Life of Pullela Gopichand
Beyond his badminton career, Gopichand leads a fulfilling personal life. He has diverse interests and hobbies, but his primary focus remains on his family. Gopichand tied the knot with fellow badminton player P. V. V. Lakshmi on June 5, 2002. Together, they have been blessed with two children—a daughter named Gayathri and a son named Vishnu. Gopichand’s dedication to his family is evident as he strives to strike a balance between his professional commitments and personal responsibilities.
Professional Life of Pullela Gopichand
Gopichand’s professional journey is one marked by exceptional achievements and unwavering determination. He began his badminton career under the guidance of coach S. M. Arif before being accepted into the prestigious Prakash Padukone Academy, where he received training from the legendary Prakash Padukone himself. Gopichand also honed his skills under the tutelage of Ganguly Prasad at the SAI Bangalore.
Gopichand’s prowess on the court was evident as he clinched his first National Badminton Championship title in 1996, which served as a stepping stone to greater success. He went on to win the title an impressive five times consecutively, from 1996 to 2000. Gopichand’s achievements extended to the international stage, representing India in three Thomas Cup tournaments. He secured a gold medal in the SAARC badminton tournament in 1996 and successfully defended his title the following year in Colombo. Gopichand’s crowning glory came in 2001 when he emerged victorious at the All England Open Badminton Championships in Birmingham, becoming the second Indian to achieve this remarkable feat after Prakash Padukone’s win in 1980.
Awards and Recognitions
Gopichand’s exceptional contributions to badminton have earned him numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. In 1999, he received the prestigious Arjuna Award in recognition of his outstanding performance. A decade later, in 2009, Gopichand was honored with the Dronacharya Award for his remarkable achievements as a coach. In 2014, he was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India’s third highest civilian award, for his significant contributions to the sport. These accolades not only reflect Gopichand’s individual success but also underscore his impact on Indian badminton as a whole.
Age
As of now, Pullela Gopichand is 49 years old, having been born on November 16, 1973. At this stage in his life, Gopichand continues to make invaluable contributions to badminton as the Chief National Coach for the India national badminton team.
Parents’ Name and Family
Pullela Gopichand was born to Mr. Pullela Subash Chandra and Mrs. Pullela Subbaravamma. His family played a significant role in supporting his aspirations and helping him navigate his badminton career. While specific details about his extended family are not provided in the reference content, it is evident that Gopichand’s parents provided a solid foundation and unwavering encouragement for his pursuit of excellence in badminton.
