Gopichand gets Arjuna Award

JAKARTA (JP): Men's singles shuttler Pullela Gopichand of India received the Arjuna Award -- the highest sporting honor in his country -- from Indian President Kocharil Narayanan earlier this week for his achievements and contributions to badminton, World Badminton reported.

Following the golden era of Indian shuttler Prakash Padukone in the 1980s, Gopichand is seen as the Indian shuttler with the ability to take over and lead the country in international events.

Ranked 19th in the world, Gopichand has qualified for the Olympic Games in Sydney in September. He was also the backbone of the Indian team during the Thomas Cup championships in Kuala Lumpur in May. (yan)