Take this break as a bitter pill, find ways to stay physically, mentally fit: Gopichand

The job losses and pay cuts are "bitter pills" to swallow but common man still needs to figure out ways to stay physically and mentally fit even as COVID-19 pandemic wreaks havoc, feels chief national badminton coach Pullela Gopichand.

The COVID-19 pandemic, which has killed more than 120 people in India and over 80,000 globally, has brought the whole world into a standstill as countries went into lockdown to contain the deadly disease, leaving a big dent on the economy.

Gopichand, who recently completed his three-week isolation after coming from All England Championships in UK, said sports will be a part of this global meltdown but urged people to fight it with positivity.

"I think world is going through a lot and everybody's careers are important for them, whether you are a student, a journalist or a sportsperson. But this lockdown is in place for a specific reason and I think we should follow it," Gopichand told PTI.

"It definitely going to hurt every segment of the population not sports alone. Everybody is going through this tough time. We need to stay positive and find resources to keep ourselves mentally and physically fit and balanced.

"You have to accept the fact that this is the way it is going to be for a reason and take it as a bitter pill and hopefully things will get better."