New Delhi: P.V. Sindhu’s journey began in 1995, in Hyderabad, India. Drawn to badminton at a young age, she started training under seasoned coach Mehboob Ali. Later, at the age of 10, she joined the prestigious Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy, a turning point in her life. Despite the long commute and rigorous training, young Sindhu displayed remarkable dedication and discipline, qualities that would later become her hallmark.
Early Victories And International Rise:
Her talent shone through in her early teens, winning international junior titles like the Sub-Junior Asian Badminton Championships (2009) and the Asian Junior Championships (2012). In 2013, she etched her name in history by becoming the first Indian woman to win a medal at the Badminton World Championships, a bronze. This was just the beginning of her meteoric rise, as she climbed the BWF world rankings, reaching the top 20 by the age of 17.
Olympic Glory And World Championship Triumph:
2016 became a landmark year for Sindhu. She reached the Rio Olympics finals, bagging a historic silver medal – the first for India in badminton. This ignited a passion for the sport in the nation, making her a role model for young girls. Despite the heartbreaking loss, Sindhu’s resilience and fighting spirit shone through.
She continued to dominate the BWF circuit, winning prestigious titles like the China Open (2016) and the India Open (2017). Finally, in 2019, she shattered glass ceilings by becoming the first Indian to win the Badminton World Championships gold medal. This victory solidified her position as a global badminton icon.
Tokyo Olympics And Beyond:
In 2021, Sindhu achieved another feat by securing a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics. This remarkable achievement made her the only Indian woman and the fourth player globally to win two consecutive Olympic medals in women’s singles badminton.
Impact And Legacy:
She has inspired millions to chase their dreams, particularly young girls in India, proving that badminton is not just a men’s sport. As she continues to strive for more, one can only wait with anticipation to see what new heights this champion will reach next.