Gopichand appointed national badminton coach

New Delhi, May 31 (UNI) Former All England champion Pullela Gopichand today took over as the new national coach succeeding Vimal Kumar as the Badminton Association of India (BAI) announced a host of initiatives to revive the fortunes of the game in the country.

BAI president V K Verma told reporters, ''Gopichand will take over Vimal Kumar who is no longer available due to his committments with the BPL Prakash Padukone Academy in Bangalore''.

BAI also announced its project 2010, which is aimed at producing at least one gold, two silver and as many bronze medallists in the Commonwealth Games 2010.

Under the project, 32 players will be identified and provided world-class training and exposure in the next four years.

The national association will also recruit two foreign coaches this year and revive Indian Open next year.

Meanwhile, after his appointment as the new coach Gopichand said, ''It's a huge honour but also a big responsibility. I was trying to make a comeback from my injuries and play one more international tournament but the national coach's job is much more important than that.'' UNI AY PG PDS RK2035