Hyderabad: Pullela GopichandHis 15-year stint as the head coach of the Indian badminton team comes to an end as the former All England champion is set to contest as the general secretary Badminton Association of India ,Maid,
The BAI headquarters in Delhi has been active for the past few days after news surfaced that Gopi wants to contest for the coveted post. The nominations for the BAI elections began on March 9 and will close on March 11. The election is due to be held on March 25.
It is learned that Gopichand got the approval of BAI President and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who is expected to be unanimously re-elected as the president of the national body.
Sarma reached the capital and met BAI officials. Sources said that Gopi will take off his cap in the ring only if he is elected unopposed.
If things go according to Gopi’s plan, India will have to look for a new head coach. Ever since he took over as coach in 2006, Gopichand has made a tremendous impact on the game. Under him India won three Olympic medals, several World Championship medals, even Saina Nehwal And Kidambi Srikanth became the number 1 in the world.
However, some sources believe that the BAI constitution may not allow Gopichand to contest the elections. According to the Constitution, only the outgoing office bearers or members of the outgoing executive committee are eligible to contest for the post of Secretary General.
But many said that there is no such rule and anyone can become a secretary. Gopichand is already the secretary of Telangana Badminton Association.
The BAI headquarters in Delhi has been active for the past few days after news surfaced that Gopi wants to contest for the coveted post. The nominations for the BAI elections began on March 9 and will close on March 11. The election is due to be held on March 25.
It is learned that Gopichand got the approval of BAI President and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who is expected to be unanimously re-elected as the president of the national body.
Sarma reached the capital and met BAI officials. Sources said that Gopi will take off his cap in the ring only if he is elected unopposed.
If things go according to Gopi’s plan, India will have to look for a new head coach. Ever since he took over as coach in 2006, Gopichand has made a tremendous impact on the game. Under him India won three Olympic medals, several World Championship medals, even Saina Nehwal And Kidambi Srikanth became the number 1 in the world.
However, some sources believe that the BAI constitution may not allow Gopichand to contest the elections. According to the Constitution, only the outgoing office bearers or members of the outgoing executive committee are eligible to contest for the post of Secretary General.
But many said that there is no such rule and anyone can become a secretary. Gopichand is already the secretary of Telangana Badminton Association.