Gayatri Gopichand charts her own path in badminton
HYDERABAD: Carrying the legacy of badminton coach Pullela Gopichand can be daunting. But his daughter, Gayatri Gopichand, says she refuses to let expectations weigh her down. Instead, she is determined to build a career on her own terms, without attempting to mirror the achievements of the women champions her father coached, including Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu.
Shift to doubles
Gayatri began her career in singles but soon moved to doubles, saying her strengths were better suited to the format. “There’s always a bit of pressure, but I see it as motivation. My dad’s legacy inspires me, but I try to stay grounded,” she said.
Gopichand said the dual roles of father and coach have never conflicted. “I know she’s happy if I am at the court, but there are many other coaches with her, so there is no burden on me. At home we spend time together and rarely discuss badminton,” he said. He added that her decision to shift to doubles was unexpected but fully supported.
Gayatri said she enjoys the tactical demands of doubles. “My natural strengths netplay, anticipation and quick reactions fit doubles better. It challenges me differently and I enjoy its energy,” she said.
A joint family upbringing
Until Covid-19, Gayatri grew up in a large joint family in Hyderabad. “She is fortunate to have elders around her always. Dinner together is the standing rule whenever we are in the city,” said her mother Lakshmi, the first Indian woman shuttler to compete at the Olympics.
Off court, Gayatri enjoys movies and coffee outings with friends. The family is pleased with her progress. “She is just 22 and has twice reached the All England Open semifinals, won medals at the Commonwealth Games and reached several major semifinals and finals. We are very happy with her performance,” Lakshmi said. Gopichand added, “Whatever she achieves from here is a bonus for us.”
Defending the Syed Modi title
Gayatri and partner Treesa Jolly defended their Syed Modi BWF Super 300 title in Lucknow on Sunday, November 30. It was the only title for India at the event. The win was significant as the pair had returned after a long injury break; Gayatri managed to play only 10 tournaments this year due to repeated setbacks.
“The Syed Modi title meant a lot after everything I went through this year. It felt like a reward for staying patient. It showed me my game is moving in the right direction,” she said. Treesa added that the duo faced pressure as defending champions but focused on one match at a time. Missing World Championships qualification was a setback, she said, but the season ended positively.
Rise of a top Indian women’s doubles pair
Since joining hands, the pair has progressed rapidly. They won the India International Challenge in 2021, reached the All England Open semifinals in 2022 the first Indian women’s doubles pair to do so in 21 years and won the Odisha Open the same year.
In 2024, they claimed their first Super 300 title in Lucknow and defended it last week. The last two years, however, were disrupted by injuries. Gayatri said she has learnt to manage the physical demands better. “Injuries break rhythm, but rehab, support and staying positive helped me return stronger,” she said.
Looking ahead, the duo aims to win more world tour titles and qualify for the 2028 Olympics. “My goals are to break into the top bracket consistently, perform well at world championships and work towards Olympic qualification. Improving consistency is my biggest focus,” Gayatri said.
