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Pullela Gopichand

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This is a gritty story of a badminton star Pullela Gopi Chand, who brought laurels to India by winning the coveted All England Championships 2001. The player for whom losing was not an option,who went against all rules and conventions. This book , the authorised biography of Pullela Gopichand, is about his rise from humble beginnings to become a star on Indian Badminton's horizon,as well as his endeavours to produce more sports icons like him through his one of a kind badminton Academy.

308 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2011

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About the author

Sanjay Sharma

223 books36 followers

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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
Profile Image for Samridhi Khurana.
97 reviews13 followers
September 19, 2016
This biography is written by Sanjay Sharma, a badminton pundit himself who witnessed the rise and the struggle of Pullela Gopichand. Gopi's story is inspirational on so many levels. This is a story for all of us, and not just the badminton fraternity. He made through some of the most severe injuries in his career. With his never-say-die attitude and single-minded approach to the game, he conquered the All England Championship. Here is a man, who has seen such terrible days, with his family struggling to pay even for his shuttles and shoes, and yet he refused a Cola ad and happily parted the money he won to the Gujarat Earthquake victims. What he has achieved with Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu is just a tiny reflection of his confidence in himself and his endless dedication.
Profile Image for C Mahesh.
5 reviews3 followers
November 7, 2016
Before reading this book I had not read about GopiChand except that he got dronacharya award. When I saw the news the feeling was why is the award given to such a person of small age.

But, after reading the book. I came to know about the GopiChand's extraordinary, amazing, personal, mental character. He is one of the jewels of India.

After retirement , generally people relax. But, he has put the India into the different league on world map.

It is one of the best books I have read. He is also one of the models where you can show and tel. If you work hard enough the success and wealth will follow you. Wealth does not means always money, It can be relationship, happiness, success etc.

Cheers,
C Mahesh
Profile Image for Mayank Nema.
2 reviews4 followers
September 20, 2016
Must Read

An inspirational account of the living prodigy. In spite of several set backs how he come back everytime for his dream. Description of bird battle is very realistic will give you goosebumps. Yes, he is one of a kind.
1 review
January 4, 2017
Story of a true fighter..it inspires people of all walks of life. Badminton is just a bacdrop..Gopichand would have excelled equally in any chosen field..thanks to his determination.


Story of a true fighter..it inspires people of all walks of life. Badminton is just a bacdrop..Gopichand would have excelled equally in any chosen field..thanks to his determination.
Profile Image for Vemuri.
11 reviews5 followers
July 13, 2018
Brilliant journey of an almost fanatic non cricket sports star who has and is driving Indian badminton to the top. The narration unfortunately doesn't do justice to the man or the journey.

Nonetheless I would recommend reading this to get a glimpse of sheer grit and determination also called Gopi Chand.
Profile Image for Shining bibliophile.
313 reviews4 followers
March 10, 2022
Life's a race and one needs to keep up with it and never lose the tracks and if somehow he loses the pathway of tracks, he needs to do nothing but make efforts once again, to get over the right tracks.
Things improve when one comes across an error or one finds a thing to be changed or upgraded. While on one hand the book offers the reader an engaging vibe to stay up with, on the very other end, the speed moving pace of the tale with its dramatic yet realistic instances, keeps the reader held up with it until the epilogue makes its appearance to actually disclose the realisations in the story, together to make the reader feel amazed.
As a reader with books read over hundreds, I can now say that almost every story is heard or written but what makes the story engaging and new, is the form of presentation and words used to narrate the entire tale to the readers.
Its my first attempt at reading a biography by someone from the sports and it's truly been an experience memorable as the book explains real time things to follow up with.
Author has performed quite great in terms of explaining how things work between people and when stuck up in the problematic world while the personal incidents which have brought harm already, are supposed to be the low key thing in order to stay up. Coming up with a good length narration, I liked the plot of the book with its actual theme and characterization being curated with perfection although there were sections where the pace fell apart in the book while the title was held up like an important one as it very well connects with the read when it says, every match counts.
Profile Image for Harish Challapalli.
268 reviews107 followers
October 9, 2018
Like most of the Indians, I came to know about Gopichand after his infamous win in the All England 2001. I clearly remember watching the finals live and I can say that’s the first badminton match I watched completely.

He has all the traits of a hero. Being a sports icon from our state, I read about him often in the vernacular news papers but donot know much about his pre all England career until I read this book.

This book is so racy and very insightful. I thank the author, who himself being a former badminton player, for presenting the story of Gopichand who is not just a champion but a true winner!!

A must read for sports buffs and bio enthusiasts!!
23 reviews1 follower
May 20, 2023
Came to Know about a legend. This is the second biography I read of sports star, the first being of Saina Nehwal. Gopichand's struggle is highly inspirational. I loved the description of 2001 All Englands matches. I watched those matches on youtube. I forgot that it was a recorded video. I even forgot that I read the book. I was praying for Gopi sir's win in Semi Final with Peter Gade. Really a good read especially for a person like me who is into shuttle and fitness.
Profile Image for Vaibhav Kulkarni.
50 reviews2 followers
February 10, 2025
The story of grit and determination of Pullela Gopichand!

It was amazing to see the efforts he put into his career with the support of his entire family irrespective of the hardships they had to go through!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews

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