Dronacharya award gives Arif renewed vigour

National badminton coach Syed Mohammad Arif says being nominated for the prestigious Dronacharya award gives him renewed vigour to work for the success of Indian players.

Speaking to rediff.com in Hyderabad on Friday, Arif said: "I am very happy about the award given to me. I am inspired to work with more vigour, so that in the future our boys and girls can win medals at the Olympics and other international events."

The 58-year-old coach is also happy that his "sishya" [pupil] Pulella Gopichand, who also hails from Andhra Pradesh, has also been honoured with the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna.

"I feel elated that Gopi too has got the award, which he richly deserves," he said.

Arif felt the honour bestowed on him was reward for 30 years of hard work. Over his long innings as a coach, he made Hyderabad a badminton powerhouse.

Dedicating the award to his family, particularly his wife and mother, as well as all the players who brought laurels to the country, he expressed happiness that he was able to contribute towards the success of national players on the international stage.

Among those trained by Arif include Sunil Jyothi, Anirudh, Manoj Kumar, Praveen, PVV Lakshmi and Gopichand. At present, promising youngsters Jwala Gutta and Shruti Kurien are under his tutelage and he hopes both will one day win an Olympic medal.