Pullela Gopichand's 12-year-old daughter set to create national history

New Delhi: The chief national badminton coach Pullela Gopichand's daughter Gayatri is set to create national record by becoming the youngest shuttler to represent the country in a prestigious tournament.

The promising 12-year-old has been selected to represent the nation in the Asian Youth (U-15 and U-17) Badminton Championships to be held at Kudus, Indonesia from October 7 to 11.

It means, the former All England champion will officially coach his daughter soon.

In the last decade or so, under the watchful eyes of Gopichand, many Indian shuttlers -- Saina Nehwal, Parupalli Kashyap, PV Sindhu, Kidambi Srikanth – have made a mark at the international level.

In fact, Gopi is excited to see the name of her daughter in the list of national shuttlers being picked for the tournament.

But he has word of caution for Gayatri.

“It's a good beginning. Hope she does well. I am happy but also know that the real effort and sacrifices start now for her,“ Gopichand told Times of India.