Pullela Gopichand is an unusual sportsman whose motto could well be—no fuss, no fizz. The Hyderabad-based reigning All England Badminton champion is refreshingly different from most other sports superstars who have no qualms about endorsing a product as long as it brings them a fat cheque. While some players do say no to liquor and cigarette commercials, few face moral dilemmas when it comes to aerated drinks.
Gopi, however, is an exception. This talented young man with old-fashioned values had no hesitation recently in turning down a soft drink giant even though it meant kissing a lucrative contract goodbye. Gopi says principles are more important to him than money. The five times national champion believes carbonated drinks are bad for health. So, he refuses to have anything to do with them. He didn't hesitate in turning down the offer even though badminton remains a relatively low-paying game both nationally and internationally.
The soft drink company had approached Gopi through his Chennai-based agents soon after he won the All England championship last year but he was quick to turn it down. In keeping with his style, it was a quiet refusal and Gopi made no fuss about the matter. It would have passed largely unnoticed but for local Telegu filmstar Amala Akkineni. She publicised Gopi's "principled stand" when he joined her last Tuesday in supporting the cause of the animal protection group Blue Cross. Savitri Choudhury spoke to him on this and other related issues. Excerpts:
Gopi, however, is an exception. This talented young man with old-fashioned values had no hesitation recently in turning down a soft drink giant even though it meant kissing a lucrative contract goodbye. Gopi says principles are more important to him than money. The five times national champion believes carbonated drinks are bad for health. So, he refuses to have anything to do with them. He didn't hesitate in turning down the offer even though badminton remains a relatively low-paying game both nationally and internationally.
The soft drink company had approached Gopi through his Chennai-based agents soon after he won the All England championship last year but he was quick to turn it down. In keeping with his style, it was a quiet refusal and Gopi made no fuss about the matter. It would have passed largely unnoticed but for local Telegu filmstar Amala Akkineni. She publicised Gopi's "principled stand" when he joined her last Tuesday in supporting the cause of the animal protection group Blue Cross. Savitri Choudhury spoke to him on this and other related issues. Excerpts:
Why did you refuse to endorse the aerated drink?
Saying no to soft drinks might sound a little extreme to most people.
What did saying no cost you?
Do you make enough money from badminton to afford such a stand?
Has badminton helped you buy your own house and car?
What are the things that you would want to endorse?
What are the things you enjoy doing?
