This was the first time India were playing the semifinals of the Uber Cup. Having assured themselves a historic bronze, India looked good to enter the final, but unfortunately went down to Japan and had to settle for bronze. In this picture, Saina
Ashwini Ponnappa and Jwala Gutta react after losing against Japan's Misaki Matsutomo and Ayaka Takahashi during women's doubles match.
Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponappa in action against the Canadian pair in the Uber Cup at the Siri Fort Complex in New Delhi.
"We have to understand that for youngsters coming into the Thomas and Uber Cup for the first time and playing well is very tough. So beating Indonesia and Thailand was some fantastic results," Gopichand said.
Gopichand rued that Indian coaches don't have the necessary freedom to groom doubles specialists in the country. "A lot of work needs to be done in the doubles front. In our country, the coach doesn't have the freedom like foreign coaches, in terms
India's Ashwini Ponnappa and Jwala Gutta play against Japan's Misaki Matsutomo and Ayaka Takahashi.
Saina Nehwal plays a return to Pui Yin Yip of Hong Kong China during her match.
"I said before the tournament we were aiming to reach the semifinals, so it is heartening to make this stage," Saina told the media after her tournament.
A lot of work needs to be done in the doubles front. In our country, the coach doesn't have the freedom like foreign coaches, in terms of forming different combinations," Gopichand said.
Doubles player Jwala Gutta celebrates after the women's doubles quarter final match against Greysia Polii and Nitya Krishinda Maheshwari of Indonesia in quarterfinals.
Gopichand believes that Saina's performance is a big positive but she has to guard against even a slightest dip in focus as being a top player, other shuttlers will be gunning for her.
When asked about Saina and Sindhu's next schedule, Gopichand said: "This tournament must have been very draining for the players so I think Saina and Sindhu will next be playing Indonesia and Australia."
Sindhu celebrates with coaches Gopichand and Madhumita Bist. Gopichand, the 2001 All-England champion expressed satisfaction over the women team's performance in Uber Cup and said Saina Nehwal, P V Sindhu, Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponappa were the
Team India celebrate Sindhu's victory after she defeated Sayaka Takahashi. It was a hard fought 72-minute contest after which Sindhu triumphed.
PV Sindhu was stretched to three games by Sayaka Takahashi before she emerged victorious over Japan's Sayaka Takahashi. Sindhu greets her fans after her match.