Former All-England champion Pullela Gopichand is wellknown for his principles as he is perhaps the first sportsperson to have said no to endorsing a cola product. So when he was accused of mental harassment by a Mumbai-based shuttler, it came as both a shock and surprise for many, says a report in The Times Of India.
However refusing to comment on the issue, Gopi said, “At this point, I really would not like to comment on the matter. Basically, the SAI (Sports Authority of India) and BAI (Badminton Association of India) are aware of what has happened. I have told them whatever I had to say. Now they will take a call. I can’t say anything more. Whatever needs to be done at the right time, we will do it.”
Meanwhile Olympic medallist Saina Nehwal stood by her coach Pullela Gopichand, who had been accused of "mental harassment" by doubles specialist Prajakta Sawant, stating that she is totally "unaware" about "how these things are coming out."
"Look at me. I am standing here today as World No 3. I would like to thank Gopi Sir for where I am today. I don't know from where all these things are coming out and I really don't know what it is," Saina, who was initially reluctant to answer the question provided her response on the issue, says a report in The Indian Express.
Prajakta had moved to Bombay High Court accusing the chief national coach of "mental harassment" after she was denied entry into the national coaching camp at Gopichand's academy in Hyderabad.
Meanwhile Pajakta got support from an unexpected quarter —doubles star Jwala Gutta. Talking to TOI on Thursday, Gutta said she has been vocal about the discrimination in her sport for a very long time and the current issue only adds to the decay in the system. “Prajakta contacted me and told me about the issue. I read the court order and their petition and told her that Iwhole-heartedly support her. Favouritism, politics and discrimination have been there for a very long time. It is bad for the system and sport and I have been fighting against it throughout. I will not take my words back on this as I am worried about the future of the sport. I am what I am because of this sport. I told Prajakta that since she has gotten out of the academy she has now realized where things stand. Earlier I used to talk about these issues and no one would understand my view.”