Badminton News: Pullela Gopichand's 15-year tenure as the head coach of the Indian badminton team ends as the former All-England champion will contest for the post of general secretary of the Badminton Association of India (BAI).

The BAI headquarters in Delhi has been abuzz for the past few days since Pullela Gopichand announced her intention to contest the prestigious post. Nominations for the BAI elections began on March 9 and will close on March 11. The elections are scheduled for March 25.

It is learnt that Gopichand has the blessings of BAI president and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who is expected to be re-elected as the president of the national body unanimously.

Sarma arrived in the capital and met BAI officials. Sources say Gopi will contest the nomination only if he is elected unopposed.

If everything goes according to Gopi's plan, India will have to look for a new head coach. Since taking charge as coach in 2006, Pullela Gopichand has had a huge impact on the sport.

Under him, India won three Olympic medals, several World Championship medals, even Saina Nehwal and Kidambi Srikanth became world No.1.

However, some sources believe that the BAI constitution does not allow Gopichand to contest. According to the constitution, only incumbent functionaries or members of the outgoing executive committee are eligible for the post of general secretary.

But many say that there are no such rules and anyone can become the general secretary of the BAI. Gopichand is currently the secretary of the Telangana Badminton Association.

Article Tag: Pullela Gopichand, Saina Nehwal, PV Sindhu