Gopichand gunning for world title

India's Pullela Gopichand, boosted by his All-England badminton championship win in March, has now set his sights firmly on capturing the world title in Spain next month.

Gopichand told Reuters from the southern city of Bangalore: "I'm a lot more relaxed mentally after winning the All England title. I'll put in my 100 percent, take one match at a time and hope for the best."

The world championships run from June 3-10, after the Sudirman Cup team championships that start in Seville on Monday.

Gopichand, 27, has not played a tournament since winning the All England event but says he has been working hard and is happy with his preparation.

"I feel good. I know winning the world title is not going to be easy. There are a lot of players who're very good and there is not much difference at the top. Anybody could play well and win on his day," Gopichand said.

Gopichand's victory at the All England sparked nationwide celebration and a series of ceremonies to honour him.

He received 2.5 million Indian rupees ($53,000) from the government of his home state of Andhra Pradesh along with other cash awards and a promotion to manager in his company, Indian Oil.

COUNTRY GALVANISED

Officials say Gopichand's win also galvanised the country's badminton fraternity and gave upcoming players a new hero.

"Everybody has realised that in 'Gopi' we have a leader. The morale of the Indian team has definitely been lifted and they know that with Gopi around in men's singles we have something in the bag," former international player Sanjay Sharma told Reuters.

"His win has given a fillip to Indian badminton," he said.

Gopichand's victory, along with Viswanathan Anand's world chess triumph in December, lifted the spirits of a country where such sporting achievements are rare.

The new Indian badminton star beat Olympic champion Ji Xenping of China and world number one Pete Gade of Denmark on his way to becoming only the second Indian to win the All England crown.

His mentor and former coach Prakash Padukone had won the title in 1980.

Gopichand, who has been training with the Indian team for the Sudirman Cup since the beginning of the month, says the mood in the camp is upbeat.

"We're excited. Everyone is playing well. The whole team is looking forward to putting up a good show," he said.

The team is thrilled Gopichand has not ruled out stepping on the doubles court in the Sudirman Cup.

"If the team requires me to play doubles, I'll do it," Gopichand said. India are in Group 3B with Hong Kong, Austria and Wales.

Gopichand said he's not too worried about the increased pressure of expectation from fans and team mates.

"I have always been hard on myself. I can handle it."