4.5/5
(213 ratings)(Amazon)
Shuttler’s Flick – Making Every Match Count is not a book about compliance. It is a book about breaking the rules and playing your own game. You leave behind mindsets of playing safe, waiting to be instructed and giving up when the going gets tough. When it’s time to get into action, you jump into action without hesitation.
Ms. Priya Kumar author of 15 Bestselling books, decodes the mindset of a former no. 5 & an Indian Badminton Legend who has coached star performers like Saina Nehwal, PV Sindhu, Srikanth Kidambi, and more. In his official autobiography, we meet Pullela the coach. Through his own voice, as well as those of his students, mother, and wife, we get a look at the mind that revolutionised the game. We are shown not only what it takes to get to the top, but also, and more importantly, how to stay there.
Vijaya Lakshmi –
As we know Shuttler’s flick: making every match count is the biography of Pullela Gopichand so now let us know a little bit about him. Pullela Gopichand is a former badminton player and is well known for winning the All England Open Badminton Championship in 2001. He is the receiver of prestigious awards like the Arjuna award, Padma Shri, Padma Bhusan, Dronacharya award and many more. He also founded Gopichand Badminton Academy in 2008 and since then he is working as a coach who has produced players like Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu under his guidance.
Now you will think that Ahh I ain’t interested in sports then why should I read the biography of a former sportsman? Then let me tell you, this is much more than just a biography, this is a treasure of pragmatic wisdom which can be applied in every walk of life. The learnings discussed act like a dose of motivation with a realistic approach that will help you in becoming more productive.
Sharing some of the insights gathered from this book:
🌿 A physical setback is not a deal-breaker as long as your mind is in your control.
🌿Facilities don’t make champions, challenges do.
🌿Resources could be scarce but a person who has a resourceful mindset will never be set back.
🌿Bird that sits on your hands also shits on your hands. That’s a part of nurturing process.
🌿 A true champion is someone who can look back into his past and can say that he has no regrets and is happy with his efforts no matter what the output has been.
Post-Covid our lives are not the same anymore, this new normal is very discouraging at times and I must say the valuable insights shared in this book helped me a lot in coping with post-covid anxiety and depression issues.
Also, Priya Kumar has done commendable work. I loved the flow of the book. I don’t think a biography can be co-authored in a better way. I have fallen for her narration style. Just trust me and don’t give even a second thought before picking this up. Hope you pick it up super soon.
Neha –
Shuttler’s Flick by Priya Kumar is a biography written on India’s finest and one of the greatest badminton coaches and players, Pullela Gopichand. I am a very big fan of Priya Kumar and his penmanship. The way she brings every single story alive is very poetic and makes you want to keep reading.
The story revolves around Gopi and his whole journey from a passionate kid who loved sports to a coach helping others achieve their dreams and bring glory to the country. The story also talks about his family, their struggle in raising and maintaining life in sync with both their kids, and working to guide them in being happy with whatever they want to achieve in life.
I liked how the story had a separate POV section for Gopi and sometimes their family and students depending on the chapter. It brought a unique insight right from the source. I liked how Gopi’s journey shows the importance of the mental aspect of the game. It the importance of deciding what you want from life, work accordingly and accept fate only after giving your best.
The book showed Gopi’s journey of badminton as a young rising star, surrounding himself in a good ecosystem from an early age, his journey in the Indian team, injury, and recovery, and that elusive all-England championship medal to nurturing the next generation, taking praise and criticism calmly, the controversy surrounding his coaching and importance of playing sports in life irrespective of a professional or fun.
The language is very lucid and I am already a big fan of Priya Kumar’s narrating style. It’s a fast-paced read. If I have recommended books to read for motivation and learning what and how to live a life with moral and value, this book make it in my TOP 5. Such an incredible book and incredible journey, one still not finished.
Madhu kishore –
Growing up i learned about a sport mostly through one person, be it sachin for cricket, usha for track and field, anand for chess and pullela gopichand for badminton. These were all the champions who proved their mettle time and again in respective fields eventually becoming the sport itself. It’s hard to imagine them apart from the sport, so were the accolades they gained for the sport and for the country in international forums.
Shuttler’s flick by Pullela gopichand with priya kumar is an account of gopi’s badminton journey, being a child with keen interest in sport to the world champion we all know and the coach he is today, training and guiding the present and future badminton champions of India.
Gopi’s is a journey of pure grit and perseverance. Through this account we get to know what goes into becoming a Champion, it’s not always the best of the resources that makes one a champion but it’s raw talent, consistency and right mindset. Gopi mastered the art of taking control of the game and opponent’s mindset, eventually leading the opponent to play his game and lose to his tricks. Sports are not always won on hard work but also through right mindset.
Knowing self is one thing and taking actions accordingly is another thing. Many a times we tend to overestimate ourselves, tend to live in illusions and when reality knocks us down, it’ll be a while to get back on feet which costs us heavily in the long run. Gopi always knew himself, so he planned his intense training and stuck to it day after day which he now teaches in his academy.
There are very few in every field who redefines the space and creates new benchmark for the generations to come and pullela gopichand is one such person whose legacy be talked forever in the sports fraternity.
Likhitha Baggu –
Pullela Gopichand. Does this legend need an introduction? Definitely not. He is one of the very few players who popularized the sport of badminton in the country and made Indians shift their enthusiasm and interest towards the badminton sport when almost all of them are obsessed with a single sport(you can easily guess this).
Coming from a middle-class family in Prakasham district of Andhra Pradesh to emerging like a champion and then opening a world-class badminton academy to coach the new generation, it is obvious that the journey wasn’t a cakewalk. It demanded determination, risk, discipline, resilience, grit and a lot of sacrifices from the Gopichand and his family as well.
The book “SHUTTLER’S FLICK” tells us about his journey, his failures and how he strategized to pave a path for his victories. It also contains the perspectives of his parents, his wife, his students, and his coach and they serve as words of wisdom to the readers. The perspective of Gopichand’s coach says how a player should be, and of his students say how a coach should be. From the perspectives of his parents, the readers can understand how important it is to believe in your children’s potential and support them in achieving their dreams and from the words of his wife, the readers can know the importance of a supportive partner who not only understands you but also serves as a pillar of strength during the hard times. At the end of each chapter, there are three sections namely “Your serve”, “Your solitude” and “Your truth”. They provide the major takeaways to the reader. I must say, after reading this book I am in awe of Pullela Gopichand for the person he is.
This book is not only for sports enthusiasts or people who aspire to excel in a sport but also for those who strive to become a champion in their respective fields.
Sohini –
It’s all about Priya Kumar’s charm through her writing that I no longer think twice before picking up her nonfiction works. It doesn’t utter you to follow a motivational book blindly by only highlighting success stories and more rather she blends and creates a perfect mixture of both genres. That helps a reader to understand nonfiction and helps to take away a wholehearted experience.
I decided to pick Shuttlers Flick up. It is about an incredible Indian badminton player and coach Mr. Pullela Gopichand. His hardship since childhood and what took him to reach where he is now, beautifully captures your eyes throughout the book. He had to go under scissors for a treacherous Arthroscopic surgery which eventually set him back from returning to Badminton. But the odds were in his favor. He proved this in 1998 and won bronze in the Commonwealth Games. 2001 was his biggest uplift, he became the second Indian to win the all-England championship. Of course, it didn’t stop for him there, he set up a badminton academy, The Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy, that gave incredible players and became the world’s no.1. He even served as the Official Indian Olympic Badminton team coach in Rio Olympics and Tokyo Olympics.
He voices the wins, his journey, teachings, discipline, and principles, through which we all learn how to be constant in chasing our dreams. The writer met Pullela sir in person and pens down his voice as is. The book carries his voice as well as his mother, wife (former Olympian PVV Lakshmi), children (Gayathri and Sai Vishnu), and students who were his backbone throughout his life. He’s a Padmashri, Arjuna, Dronacharya, Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, and Rashtriya Khel Protsaha Awardee. Welcome the preaching of him with open hands and devote it to your life.
Dive into the book to know how a champion is made. Last but not least Priya Kumar’s writing enhanced the essence a little more. Simple and thoughtful sentences could easily be gulped and implanted. I’m a big follower and admirer of Badminton and love to play it whenever get a chance. His point of view made the a journey little clear. As a student, I learned life teaching and sports lessons vigorously. Thank you to all the hard work behind the books that gave us the readers a masterpiece to cherish lifetime.
Prerna shambhavee –
“Shuttler’s Flick: Making Every Match Count” by Priya Kumar is a literary masterpiece that delves deep into the essence of human spirit and achievement. Centered around the extraordinary life of Pullela Gopichand, this book is a tapestry woven with threads of passion, determination, excellence, discipline, and motivation.
Through Author’s masterful storytelling, readers are transported into the riveting journey of Pullela Gopichand, a multifaceted personality who seamlessly transitions from a formidable athlete to an inspirational coach. His meteoric rise is highlighted by the iconic victory at the “All England Championship” in 2001, a triumph that echoes through the annals of sports history.
The book doesn’t merely narrate Pullela Gopichand’s victories; it vividly portrays the trials and tribulations that accompany the pursuit of greatness. His bronze medal in the Commonwealth Games and his indomitable spirit during a perilous arthroscopic surgery offer profound insights into the resilience of the human spirit.
What sets “Shuttler’s Flick” apart is its ability to showcase the evolution of Pullela Gopichand from a young child with a budding interest in sports to a world-renowned champion. Priya Kumar’s prose is more than words on paper; it’s a symphony of emotions, a canvas painted with the colors of determination, and a tribute to the unwavering pursuit of excellence.
In a world hungry for motivation and inspiration, this book is a banquet. It’s a testament to the power of human will, a source of unwavering motivation, and a reminder that with dedication, even the loftiest dreams can be achieved.
“Shuttler’s Flick: Making Every Match Count” transcends the realm of sports biography; it’s a literary masterpiece that explores the depths of the human spirit and leaves an indelible mark on the reader’s soul. Priya Kumar’s narrative prowess shines brightly, making this book a must-read for anyone seeking to unlock the secrets of success and the essence of a champion’s heart.
Jainand Gurjar –
Book: Shuttler’s Flick
Author: Pullela Gopichand with Priya Kumar
Genre: Autobiography/Motivation
Pages: 359
Rating: 4/5
To all the fans and followers of badminton and sports, Pullela Gopichand needs no introduction. A great player, a great coach, and a great personality, Gopichand is a hero for many. Being a follower of badminton myself, this book was such a delight to read. It is not like any other autobiography where the story of the personality goes on and not like any motivational book where there is only information and situations which helps to be motivated. This book is a perfect blend of both the genres, autobiography, and motivation.
At the start of each chapter, there is a general point of view and discussion type writing whose strings are attached to the life of Gopichand but will help everyone, it doesn’t matter if they belong to the sports field or not. After it, Gopichand’s story in his own words is there which is the highlight of the book that I liked and connected with the most. Then in some chapters are writing and the points of view of personalities related to Gopichand, like his parents and his students.
There are many life learning lessons there in the book, especially for students. As a student myself, I connected and find the answers to so many things in the book which honestly I was not expecting. I highlighted so many portions of this book, and it was all worth it. Although in the starting, the writing with which the chapters started looked a little preachy to me, as the book progressed and came into the middle, it changed. It became more practical, personal, and precise, which contained till the end and that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Also, the cover of the book is gorgeous and Mridu Agarwal has done a commendable job.
I will recommend this book not only to the fans of badminton and sports or the ones who want to know about Pullela Gopichand but to the students as well because there are so many things which can be learned and applied to daily life.
Samriddhi Puranik –
Book Review: “Shuttler’s Flick” by Priya Kumar
Genre: Biography
Rating: ★★★★★
Summarizing a book as remarkable as “Shuttler’s Flick” is no easy task. This biography is an absolute gem, an inspirational journey that left me with a wealth of powerful quotes, countless moments of introspection, and an undeniable sense of life-altering impact.
Pullela Gopichand’s life story, as told by Priya Kumar, opens up a window into the mind of a legend. The pages are filled with wisdom, determination, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Here are a few of the remarkable quotes that stayed with me:
1. “The hunger to do more and to be more should always drive you no matter how big you become.”
2. “Failures hold in them the power of your comeback.”
3. “Mental strength is greater than physical strength.”
4. “Don’t react to irritations and negativity. Respond with your focus and determination intact.”
5. “Don’t seek approval.”
The book traces Gopichand’s journey from his iconic victory at the ‘All England Championship.’ However, what truly captivated me was the insightful dive into his formative years. Gopichand’s childhood was filled with passion and unwavering determination, offering readers a glimpse into the making of a remarkable athlete.
The road to success is never without its challenges. Even after securing a Bronze in the Commonwealth Games, Gopichand faced the adversity of a looming injury. However, his resilience prevailed, and he triumphed once more, winning the All England Championship.
The latter part of the book delves into Gopichand’s transition to coaching, a role that seemed tailor-made for him. It’s clear that his connection to the sport runs deep, and the book beautifully underscores the structure and discipline that sports can bring to one’s life.
Reading the epilogue was a spine-tingling experience. Priya Kumar has masterfully captured the essence of Gopichand’s journey, and I can’t thank her enough for bringing this incredible story to life.
In “Shuttler’s Flick,” you’ll find more than just a biography; it’s a testament to the indomitable human spirit and a source of boundless inspiration. If you’re seeking a life-changing read, this book comes highly recommended.
Aarti –
So,idk from where to start ! Bcz this book created something inner me , which im not able to describe in words!
Here are a few of the beautiful quotes that would stay with me forever!
1. Surround yourself with those who want you to succeed.
2 . Success, true success is pure energy. The more you win, the more alive you become.
3 . You cannot stop people from criticising you and rubbing your weaknesses and shortcomings in your face.
I recently got my hands on this beautiful book “Shuttler’s Flick” by Priya Kumar, and let me tell you guys,im not a sports person and my first impression after seeing this book was like how can i read something which im not familiar with, but after starting the book , i just losted somewhere,it’s an truly absolute gem,This book took me on an incredible journey through the life of the badminton superstar, PULLELA GOPICHAND From his humble beginnings to becoming one of the greatest players in the sport !
Needless to say The author, Priya Kumar, skillfully captures the essence of gopichand, triumphs, and the unwavering determination that propelled his towards success.
One of the things I loved most about “Shuttler’s Flick” is how it portrays the challenges gopichand faced and the sacrifices he made to pursue his dreams. It’s a story of resilience, hard work, and the courage to overcome obstacles, making it relatable and empowering for readers of all ages.