Shuttler’s Flick: Making Every Match Count-Pullela Gopichand with Priya Kumar

Book: Shuttler’s Flick: Making Every Match Count
Author: Pullela Gopichand with Priya Kumar
Publisher: Simon & Schuster India

What do you think goes into making a champion?

Shuttler’s Flick is the official; autobiography of Pullela Gopichand, India’s Chief National Coach for the Indian Badminton Team, written along with Priya Kumar. Through his own voice, as well as those of his students, mother, and wife, we get a look at the mind that revolutionized the game. We are shown not only what it takes to get to the top, but also, and more importantly, how to stay there. With the principles of his play laid bare, we are invited to apply them to our own everyday lives. In doing so, we ask questions, take accountability for our actions, and perhaps find the answer to the greatest question of all—what does it take to become a champion?

The book is excellently written and through his life experiences, Gopichand explains his strategies and the way he takes life every day, and how he keeps his focus, even when the odds are stacked against him. As the book starts from his childhood, we are exposed to the way his early life was shaped, and how his parents and his grit brought him to the place he is right now. As the book moves ahead, we see him take on life and face hurdles that most people would be crushed after, but Gopi rises after every challenge like a phoenix. As we move on to the coaching phase of his life, we see how he transforms from a player to a coach and how is priorities and approach change, but the core focus remains the same.

The book is written in an easy-to-read manner with short chapters and a summary and a question to ponder at the end of each one. The book is not preachy, and to think of it, it is different from most autobiographies in a way that it does not talk about some magic formulas to win over obstacles, rather the methods he uses can seem extreme to a few people. With sections from his mentees and ace players such as Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu, the book is a good study into the life of a champion, and more so how he uses his life lessons to mold the future of the country. The chapters are well planned and explore various facets of his life and career, specially with his family and the emotional roller coaster he goes through, first as a player and second as a coach. The book also gives an interesting insight into the mind of a person who has a vision and how he dedicates his life to that cause.

This is a book I would highly recommend if you wish to bring focus and make every moment of your life count. The book scores a 4.63/5 for me.

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