Hyderabad: Former badminton player Pullela Gopichand spoke to students of the Telangana Social Welfare Residential Educational Institutions Society (TGSWREIS) during their ongoing summer camp recently, advising them to ignore distractions and focus on discipline. He told them of his decisions early in life, including choosing a life of restraint during his youth to pursue excellence in sport.Speaking online, Gopichand said that one of the moments that stayed with him was seeing the weightlifter Karnam Malleswari being felicitated after her win in the Sydney Olympics at the LB Stadium. The chance to witness the medal winner in person stirred a determination within him to reach the same level, he said. That desire, he said, helped steer his ambition.According to Gopichand, what mattered was not when someone began, but how committed they were. Physical activity, he said, should be part of every student’s daily routine. Teachers too, he added, must stay active, as sport helps build both mental resilience and emotional stability.Support from his parents, especially during setbacks, helped him stay grounded. Gopichand told students not to fear failure. Every fall, he said, carries a lesson. It is through examining mistakes and repeated effort that people grow and reach their goals.