Pullela Gopichand had committed to be a part of the Conclave for months now. In fact, in October 2023, we had discussed and finalised the dates with him. Neither of us knew that the Conclave would clash with the French Open Super 750 in Paris. When I realised this, I remember calling Gopi in a somewhat anxious state. Gopi, as usual, was calm. “Once I have promised you I will be there. I will certainly be there”, he said.
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2nd Indian to win the All England after Prakash Padukone. The backbone of Indian badminton, the base of the badminton revolution!
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Now the plan is for him to fly to Kolkata from Paris on March 6 and fly back on March 8 after attending the Conclave. And this is what he said, “Don’t worry. It is an important event for sport and if I can add value I will surely be there. Will get some rest on the flight.”
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This is when you feel there is something innately good about sport. About sportspeople. About values and life lessons. Gopi could have easily suggested that ‘get me on Zoom’ and opted out. He did not. That he is a very special person and a role model is known. His actions speak and they leave a telling mark.
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