Gopi not sure for Busan Asiad

HYDERABAD: It’s less than a week for open events in the Asian Games badminton competition to get underway, but the country’s ace shuttler Pullela Gopichand has still no clue whether he would be travelling to South Korea at all.
By virtue of being India’s No. 1 player, the former All-England champion gets an automatic entry in the Asian Games competition, but the Badminton Association of India (BAI) still requires government clearance.
In the absence of any communique either from the government or the Indian Olympic Association till Thursday, BAI is keeping Gopichand still waiting.Although Gopichand sent his passport to the capital for visa endorsement and is making other preparations for the trip, he was not sure that he would get the nod.
“There was lukewarm response from BAI when I called up this morning. Now, it is upto them and the government. I am not going to make any efforts to reach them,� was the quiet reply from the champion.
“I need not convince anybody of my form or say that I am a medal prospect. It is upto those who take decisions. As far I am concerned, I do feel that I stand a good chance to win a medal,� said Gopichand.
It does not need the champion himself to say that. A look at his recent performances is enough to convince anybody of his medal prospects.
Gopichand made the last four stage at the Japan Open in April and, at Singapore last month, he beat World No. 1 Lin Dan in the first round. He also had a win against Hendrawan.