Gopi eying India's promotion to group-2

Hyderabad, May 18 (UNI) National coach P Gopichand exuded confidence that India will be elevated from group-3 to group-2 in the forthcoming Sudirman Cup mixed world badminton championship.

Talking to UNI here, Gopichand said, ''Though there will be tough opposition from France and Bulgaria, my aim is to see India finish among top two so that it can be promoted to group-2 in the next edition.'' He said the main focus will be on physical and mental fitness of the team which is undergoing training at SAAP Indoor stadium, Gachibowli.

Five-time winner and defending champion China is among the top seed for the 10th World Team Badminton Championships at Glasgow's Scotstoun International Sports Arena from June 11-17.

According to the information available here, Indonesia and Korea, the only other teams to have won the Sudhirman Cup on the previous nine occasions, are also in the first group along with England's world champions Nathan Robertson and Gail Emms.

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