‘The Drona Factor -Sculpting The Arjunas’ With Pullela Gopichand

Strong determination, strategical approach and desire to think different, play different and become the one what you want to! Pullela Gopichand’s attitude and efforts have given recognition and respect to India at world level !
FICCI FLO Hyderabad Chapter organised its first Ground Event for the year 21-22 ‘The Drona Factor—Sculpting the Arjunas’with Mr. Pullela Gopichand as the chief guest. The Session was moderated by Chairperson Uma Chiguru- pati who herself is a Marathoner, and holds a Guinness world record.

Addressing the Audience Uma Chigurupati announced that it is the 20th year of FLO. A special Stamp was unveiled by past President Ms Pinky Reddy and Past Chairperson Ms Manjula Reddy. Bidri crafted Badges were distributed to the Core and Executive Committee.

India is still not a sporting Nation. We do not have system or a structure, but we have a Dream. A dream of winning medals Internationally, a dream of sport for all. And the one man who has helped nurture this dream, ignite this dream is none other than Pullela Gopichand. He spoke about his Journey, the struggles he faced as a player, coach, later setting up the academy, physical literacy he prop- agated, his interaction with kids during the pandemic through online coaching.

Speaking about this generation of players, how different from his generation, Mr Gopichand said yesteryear’s generation used to consider going to a big sporting event was itself an achievement. But today’s doesn’t find a kick in go- ing there unless they perform, win and return with the medal. He is the right role model for a Generation that looks for actions to speak rather than words.

Mr Gopichand shared his feeling that a big Haul of medals at the Games can be the Spring board in making the Country a sporting Powerhouse.

The Padmashree Awardee could see a good future for para-sport. According to him the sports have to be inclusive. It must include everybody including trans- genders, physically challenged. Sharing his crusade for physical activity, Mr.
Gopichand said, physical activity builds neurons and Sports are beyond medals. Life’s best lessons are learnt when you go out and play.
The session was attended by over 100 members. They were inspired and mo- tivated by his ability to live and lead life by principled ideas that have provided him with a moral compass to push and yet inspire youngsters to achieve their potential.