Pullela Gopichand explains Treesa-Gayatri 's Worlds breakthrough

Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand made history at the BWF World Championships in New Delhi on Saturday, securing India’s first-ever women’s doubles medal at the tournament since 2009. The pair claimed a bronze after falling to China’s defending champions Liu Sheng Shu and Tan Ning in a tightly contested three-set match at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium. Their performance marked a significant milestone for Indian badminton, with both players aged 23 becoming the country’s first women’s doubles medallists in 15 years. The victory came after a rigorous six-week training phase focused on refining tactics, enhancing patience, and improving consistency. Chief national coach Pullela Gopichand, who oversaw the preparation of the duo, emphasized the strategic adjustments that contributed to their success. Speaking to reporters following the match, he detailed how the pair had adapted their gameplay to handle high-pressure situations and maintain composure throughout extended rallies. Gopichand noted that while the Indian duo held their ground through the first two sets, a shift in momentum occurred during the second set. He attributed this to a lack of consistent contact with the shuttlecock and the effectiveness of the Chinese team’s serves, which featured heavy spin and tumbling techniques. “Suddenly, they didn’t contact the shuttle as much as I would have really liked,” Gopichand explained. “Credit to the Chinese girls, they served very well.” In the third set, the Chinese pair capitalized on their aggressive style, pushing the Indian duo into defensive positions. Gopichand acknowledged the difficulty of maintaining an offensive stance under such pressure. “When you’re under a three-point deficit, it becomes very difficult to stay calm and execute a strategy,” he said. Despite the loss, he praised the resilience of his players, stating that they had fought valiantly and executed their plan effectively. Following their bronze medal finish, Gopichand highlighted the importance of mental preparation and recovery. He mentioned that the team had taken steps to ensure the players remained focused after their earlier success. “By the time they reached the hotel, the recovery had started,” he said. “They took care of their food, rest, and stayed off their phones. All those basic hygiene things were done.” This approach, according to Gopichand, helped the players prepare mentally for the challenges ahead. The coach also credited the natural strengths of both players, noting that their ability to adapt to different playing styles was crucial. “They have a naturally good game, decent serve, both of them serve well,” he said. “Treesa is very good at smashing, and Gayatri is very strong at the net.” These attributes, combined with their ability to find rhythm in long rallies, proved instrumental in their success. The atmosphere at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium played a role in shaping their performance as well. Gopichand pointed out that the large venue required players to be patient and methodical, rather than rushing for points. “You have to earn a point,” he said. “You can’t just be in a hurry and play a stroke to get a point. You have to work yourself.” With their bronze medal, Treesa and Gayatri have set a new benchmark for Indian badminton. Their achievements are expected to inspire future generations of players and contribute to the nation’s growing presence in international badminton competitions. As preparations for the upcoming Asian Games in Japan continue, the focus will remain on building on this success and ensuring sustained progress in the sport.