Jwala's absence will hurt team's chances: Gopichand

MUMBAI: It's beyond doubt that Pullela Gopichand has achieved more as a coach than as a player. As a coach he helped shuttlers win Olympic, World Championships and Commonwealth Games medals.
But the Asian Games medal is one which is has not been won by any of his wards. The Dronacharya award-winning coach, who is camping in Incheon with his team, is keen to taste success at the Continental Games.
Excerpts:
It must have been tough after the exit of Saina from your camp.What was the scene at the Academy after her move to Bangalore?
Our focus is to do well at the Asian Games and we did not want to get disturbed by any incident. In fact, we can hardly afford to lose time. Everyone was busy with their own preparation. Frankly, there was not much time to think about other issues.
How did you react to Saina's decision to move out of your academy? It must have been difficult?
It's a decision and I am okay with it.
For the first time in spite of your presence you won't be sitting at Saina's court to guide her. Vimal Kumar will be doing that job. How do you look at it?
I don't want to comment.
After Sindhu's second bronze at the Worlds, do you think she can lead our campaign in women's singles?
Without doubt Saina still remains our best bet. Whatever competition she plays she is our best. Sindhu still has a long way to go.
Asiad medal remains the only one India did not win under your guidance. Is this the best chance?
I feel so. We have so many players who are doing quite well. We have a chance of winning more than one medal this time.
Do you feel Jwala Gutta's absence in team events?
Yes. Her presence could have increased our chances in the team event. But we cannot control injuries. Had she been here, our chances in doubles could have been better. However, we still have a good chance in women's doubles. If Saina and Sindhu pull off the singles, Ashwini (Ponnappa) will have to play a big role in winning one of the doubles ties. The draw is a bit favourable for girls. But the men got a tough draw as they will be facing Korea in the first round. They are very strong in doubles and we have to bank on singles. If we get past Korea we have a great chance.
How long do you think you can produce a player of Saina and Sindhu's caliber in men's singles?
I am expecting similar success from the group of Kashyap, Srikanth, Prannoy, Gurusaidutt and Sai Praneeth. A big victory is round the corner. There are also some exciting players from the junior level as well.