Olympic qualification system is unfair, putting strain on players: Gopichand

Chief Indian national coach Pullela Gopichand believes that the Olympic qualification system in badminton is "unfair" and putting a "lot of strain" on the players.

The Olympic qualification period for the Tokyo Games starts April 29 this year with the Badminton World Federation (BWF) considering the ranking list, to be published on April 30, 2020 to allocate spots and Gopichand feels BWF needs to have a relook at the qualification system.

"I understand it is very important that players earn good amount of money and the prize money goes up but it is also unfair that the Olympic qualification should last a year long. It is something which needs to be looked at," Gopichand told PTI in an exclusive interview.

"I think if you win an All England or a World Championship or Asian or European Championship, there is a moment where you could think of direct qualification for these five six slots atleast, something like an Olympic quota, rather than spreading it over a year's time.

"It just makes