India’s lustre, monomaniac supper-star shuttler P. V. Sindhu who just emerged victorious in Seoul, defeating reigning world champion Nozomi Okuhara of Japan in Korea Open Series, deserves as much accolades and recognition as any Indian super-star cricketer, like Virat Kholi and M. S. Dhoni. But winning the third one day international against Australia, India is now at the top, both in Test and limited over cricket, a rare achievement for any nation.
Fortunately badminton is fast gaining popularity and is only second to cricket in popularity chart, as P. V. Sindhu and Saina Nehwal’s success on the international stage has encouraged youngsters, especially girls to take up the sport in schools and colleges where such facilities exist. It is PM Modi’s dream to follow into the foot-steps of China and make India a sporting giant, especially in Olympics where India ranks bottom in medal league measured against population.
Sindhu has indeed conquered the world, holding China and Australian open titles at a relatively young age of 22 is unique achievement. She dedicated her latest triumph as 67th birthday present to PM Modi who is always first to congratulate her. She has already received Padma Shri and won sports personality of the year. She will add many more titles in years to come if she keeps fit, injury free, as badminton is a very demanding sport physically, needing sporting brain and determination as well as speed of a gazelle on the court to remain at the top.
Kumudini Valambia
By email
