“He never put pressure on me”: Arjuna awardee Gayatri Gopichand on her father

On August 18, 2026, Gayatri Gopichand proudly received the Arjuna Award. Her father, Pullela Gopichand, always put her happiness first, opting for a nurturing environment rather than pressuring her to excel. This supportive approach allowed Gayatri to cultivate her own distinct identity in badminton, showcasing the benefits of prioritizing enjoyment in sports for young athletes.