<em>Pullela Gopichand</em> spoke to Outlook in New Delhi on his arrival from England:
After All England, do you feel you can go even higher?
Every player dreams of it. Now I know that I can beat the best in the world. It isimportant for me to fulfil my potential. I would definitely like to see that Ive wonmany more titles at the end of my career.
Was your early loss at the Sydney Olympics your biggest regret?
Certainly. Had I got a medal at Sydney, I would have been more relaxed now. I hadreally slogged... I couldnt have trained even 1 per cent more. I was verydisappointed. I was in my best form a week before the Olympics. Even a month after thegames, I was in peak form.
Do you feel India is too cricket-centric a nation?
If a corporate wants to invest in a cricketer, it is his wish. But I think thegovernment should not discriminate. A cricketer bags an Arjuna award after playing for twoyears. But not so when it comes to sportsmen from other fields. This is not right.
Does Padukones absence from bais decision-making mechanism make adifference?
It has been only a few months since Prakash sir has left, so his principles are stillbeing followed. Things have improved. Now players are also heard.
Why did you quit Prakash Padukones Academy?
I thought I needed to train differently. I was also getting stuck in the 30s(ranking). So I decided to venture out. But I can always return to the academy.
How will the change in the game format affect you?
It is too early to say. It is a major change but will help aggressive playerslike me. But it also means a shift in strategy and a host of new players will come up...Exciting days ahead.