Overwhelmed by the performance of his wards at the Tokyo Paralympics, India’s para badminton national coach Gaurav Khanna on Sunday said he could not have received a better gift this Teachers’ day.
Indian shuttlers claimed four medals, including two Gold, a Silver and a Bronze, at the Paralympics where badminton made its debut this year.
“There can’t be a better gift then this. When I had got Dronacharya award, I had a feeling which I couldn’t express but this Paralympics with these medals, the feeling is no less than that feeling. I’m overwhelmed,” Khanna, said during a virtual press conference.
“The targets have been achieved but I am a bit disappointed because I expected medals from Tarun (Dhillon) and Palak (Kohli). We will comeback and take it as a strong learning. If they had won the medals, then we could have delivered six medals.”
Asked about the future plans, Khanna said: “I am feeling like as a coach, my exam is over, the session is over, so what’s next now?
“The Olympic cycle is over, for the next Paralympic cycle, that is, for 2028, 2032 and 2036, we will have to look for youngsters. In few months, we will have Asian Youth Games, and I am hopeful we will produce good results.
“I am working on some new young and minor players and I am sure they will be in the limelight in few months time and shine like the Paralympic Gold medallists.”