Bangalore: Former Badminton ace Prakash Padukone said on Sunday Pulella Gopichand and Aparna Popat are India's best medal prospects in the game at the coming Commonwealth Games but they would be under pressure to deliver, and have to also contend with some top players.

The All England Champion of 1980 said, "We have a fairly good chance but it will not be easy. Gopi and Aparna are the best medal prospects but they will have to contend with some top Malaysians."

Besides Malaysian stars, Aparna, who won silver in the last edition, has a major hurdle in the form of Kelly Morgan of Wales, the reigning Commonwealth Champion.

He noted that India won a record four medals – two silver and two bronze – at Kuala Lumpur but at that time, the Indians did not face any pressure as not much was expected of them and they could play freely.

But, today, things are different. There is a lot of expectation from the shuttlers in India, and there would be pressure on them. Gopichand, who won bronze in the last edition, is a different man now, having won the All England Championship last year.

Asked about other medal prospects in Badminton, Padukone said both Abhinn Shyam Gupta and Nikhil Kanetkar both have an ‘outside chance’. B R Meenakshi had been performing well during training but one would have to wait and see how she fares in the major event, he said.

"It depends on how the players gear themselves up and handle pressure, and their mental make-up. They have to work hard and to be at their best," Padukone said.

PTI