Although badminton has long been a part of the Indian sports scene, it has seen a stratospheric surge in both performance and popularity in the last decade. India has steadily ascended the South-East Asian crowded ladder and currently occupies a significant position, glistening with success tales.
With two medals – a bronze and a silver – from two straight Olympics, at least two players – Saina Nehwal and Kidambi Srikanth – assuming the top spot in the BWF rankings, and eventually, the elusive World Championship crown in 2019, India has accomplished everything. Saving the best for last, PV Sindhu, the poster lady of Indian badminton has entirely transformed the sport.
This fiery Hyderabadi is also a student of Pullela Gopichand and has a long list of sparkling achievements to her name.
PV Sindhu made her presence known to the world when she won bronze at the 2013 World Championships, a sign of things to come. Sindhu won bronze at the World Championships in 2014 and went on to represent Índia in Rio de Janeiro in 2016.
With Saina Nehwal, the country began to sit up and take notice of badminton, as this brave Haryanvi embarked on a determined quest to bring India glory in the world’s fastest racquet sport. She’s known for her devastating smashes and inspiring mental toughness.