Mr. Gopichand has been trained by Prakash Padukone himself at the Prakash Padukone Academy apart from also being trained from Ganguly Prasad at SAI Bangalore as well as by S.M. Arif. Being a role model to millions of Indians, Mr. Gopichand is a man of principles and does what is morally right. For instance, he refused an endorsement offer from Coca- Cola because of the health hazards involved in the consumption of soft drinks as well as the economic impact that sale of these drinks have in rural areas. He even said on record that “if heroes or role models appear often on television with these bottles in their hands, how can we blame children if they pester parents for buying those products?” Apart from being a training centre, Gopichand Badminton Academy served as the venue for the 2009 Indian Open as well as the training venue for the 2009 BWF World Championships. Modelled after Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy, the Gopichand Badminton Academy has eight courts, a weight training room, a swimming pool, few rooms to sleep, a cafeteria along with proper food, diet as well as physiotherapy programs available. The badminton court has wooden floorings as per international standards and was constructed with the overall cost of US$ 2.5 million. Pullela Gopichand was so determined to set up this badminton academy that when despite all the funds he raised for the academy fell short, he did not hesitate even once to mortgage his family home to fulfil his dream. He was ready to mortgage his property but he was not ready to undermine the standards of the academy. His sacrifice and hard word reaped fruits and today the Gopichand Badminton Academy is no less than any badminton training academies in other developed countries of the world. Creating a world class badminton academy in a country like India where Cricket is Religion was a challenge which was very well handled by this badminton ace.