Don't intend to beat Peter Gade in Mumbai: Pullela Gopichand

Pullela Gopichand made headlines in 2001 when he beat then World No. 1 Peter Gade 17-14, 17-15 to enter the final of the All England Open badminton championships. After 16 years, the two will face each other on court as a part of the Legends Vision Yonex World Tour in Mumbai on November 4. Gopichand, who went on to win the title the same year, defeating Chen Hong of China 15-12, 15-6, said when he faces Gade at the India debut of the tour at NSCI Dome, Worli, he doesn't intend to beat him.

Pullela Gopichand

"I can never forget the All England semis in 2001 against Peter. It surely was the high point of my career. The entire preparation till winning the match felt as though a dream match for me. Peter is somebody who achieved much more over the years and I have very high regard for him. Yes, I take pride in the fact that I beat him when he was World No. 1. For me, the match in Mumbai will be more symbolic and I don't intend to beat him," Gopichand told mid-day.

Peter Gade and Pullela Gopichand in action during the All England Badminton Championships in Birmingham in 2001. Pic/AFP

Gopichand added that All England was a stepping-stone for many things in his life. "All England is one of the biggest tournaments in badminton. After Prakash sir (Padukone) won the title in 1980, it was my dream to emulate him. I am glad I achieved it. Today, when I look back, I feel it has been my building block of my coaching career too," said Gopichand, who felt the tour that has stars like Lin Dan, Lee Chong Wei, Peter Gade, Taufik Hidayat, Lee Yong Dae besides Prakash Padukone, Saina Nehwal, PV Sindhu, K Srikanth, is nothing less than a badminton bonanza.