S. M. Arif

Syed Mohammed Arif (born 29 January 1944), popularly known as Arif Saahab, is an Indian badminton coach from Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh. He is a recipient of Dronacharya Award by the Government of India.[1]

Career

Arif received his B.Sc. degree from University of Hyderabad. During his college days he won the inter-varsity badminton championship by representing University of Hyderabad. He also represented Andhra Pradesh in several national tournaments. Arif earned a diploma in badminton coaching from National Institute of Sports at Patiala. In 1974, he joined the national panel of coaches for badminton and in 1997 he was appointed as the National Chief Badminton Coach.[2] Arif coached several Indian badminton players, including the former All England Badminton Champion Pullela Gopichand,[3] the former Indian National Badminton champions P. V. V. Lakshmi, Jwala Gutta, and Saina Nehwal.

Arif is now an advisor for the badminton academy set up by his protégé Pullela Gopichand.[4]

Awards

In 2000, Arif received the Dronacharya Award from the Government India for his contribution to Indian Badminton.[1] He also received a meritorious certificate award from the Badminton World Federation.

References

  1. ^ a b "Arjuna Award for Milkha, Abhinav; Khel Ratna for Gopichand". The Tribune. 2001-08-03. http://www.tribuneindia.com/2001/20010803/main4.htm. Retrieved 2009-08-31. 
  2. ^ "Coaching right". The Hindu. 2005-03-19. http://www.hindu.com/mp/2005/03/19/stories/2005031904090300.htm. Retrieved 2009-08-31. 
  3. ^ "The joy of having produced a GOPI CHAND". The Hindu. 2005-05-28. http://www.hinduonnet.com/tss/tss2822/stories/20050528005707600.htm. Retrieved 2009-08-31. 
  4. ^ "Arif dons a new role". The Hindu. 2005-06-05. http://www.hindu.com/2005/06/05/stories/2005060502532000.htm. Retrieved 2009-08-31.