Arjuna Awardee Badminton Queen
Pusarla Venkata Sindhu, commonly known as P.V. Sindhu, is a name that resonates with excellence and determination in the world of badminton. Her meteoric rise from a young prodigy to an Olympic medallist and World Champion is a story of relentless hard work, determination, and an unyielding spirit.
This blog explores the life and achievements of the sports icon who has made India proud on the global stage.
Early Life
Sindhu was born on the 5th of July 1995 in Hyderabad, India. She hails from a family with a sports background. Her parents have been national-level volleyball players. Having athletic parents, she showed interest in sports at a very young age.
Driving inspiration from the success of Pullela Gopichand, she started playing badminton at the age of eight. She initially started training under the guidance of Mehboob Ali at the IRISET, Secunderabad. Her parents recognized her potential and shifted her training to the Pullela Gopichand Academy. Under the expert guidance of Pullela Gopichand, Sindhu’s skills developed rapidly.
Journey to becoming a Badminton Champion
Sindhu started her international career at a young age of 14. She was competing in the Sub-Junior Asian Badminton Championships, where she won her first international medal: a bronze. This was just the beginning of a glorious career. In 2010, she won a silver at the Iran Fajr International Badminton Challenge. Sindhu has won a total of 26 medals at the international level. Let’s have a look at all the medals won by her:
Olympics
- Silver medal in 2016 (Women’s Singles)
- Bronze medal in 2020 (Women’s Singles)
World Championships
- Bronze medal in 2013 (Women’s Singles)
- Bronze medal in 2014 (Women’s Singles)
- Silver medal in 2017 (Women’s Singles)
- Silver medal in 2018 (Women’s Singles)
- Gold medal in 2019 (Women’s Singles)
Uber Cup
- Bronze medal in 2014 (Women’s Team)
- Bronze medal in 2016 (Women’s Team)
Commonwealth Games
- Bronze medal in 2014 (Women’s Singles)
- Silver medal in 2018 (Women’s Singles)
- Gold medal in 2018 (Mixed Team)
- Gold medal in 2022 (Women’s Singles)
- Silver medal in 2022 (Mixed Team)
Asian Games
- Bronze medal in 2014 (Women’s Team)
- Silver medal in 2018 (Women’s Singles)
Asian Championships
- Bronze medal in 2014 (Women’s Singles)
- Bronze medal in 2022 (Women’s Singles)
Asia Mixed Team Championships
- Bronze medal in 2023 (Mixed Team)
Asia Team Championships
- Gold medal in 2024 (Women’s Team)
South Asian Games
- Silver medal in 2016 (Women’s Singles)
- Gold medal in 2016 (Women’s Team)
Commonwealth Youth Games
- Gold medal in 2011 (Girl’s Singles)
Asian Junior Championships
- Bronze medal in 2011 (Girl’s Singles)
- Bronze medal in 2011 (Mixed Team)
- Gold medal in 2012 (Girl’s Singles)
Awards
P.V. Sindhu’s stellar performances on the badminton court have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. Here is a list of some of the most prestigious awards she has received:
- Arjuna Award in 2013
- Padma Shri (the fourth highest civilian award of India) in 2015
- Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna (the highest sporting honor of India) in 2016
- Padma Bhushan (the third highest civilian award of India) in 2020
A Champion both on and off the court
P.V. Sindhu’s achievements have transcended beyond badminton, inspiring millions of young athletes, especially girls, across India. She has broken barriers and stereotypes, proving that with hard work and dedication, one can achieve the highest levels of success in sports.
Apart from her on-court achievements, Sindhu is known for her humility, discipline, and philanthropic efforts. She has been involved in various initiatives to promote sports and fitness among the youth. Sindhu is also a brand ambassador for several major companies, reflecting her status as a role model and icon.
Sindhu became the first Indian woman with 2 medals at the Olympics when she clinched a bronze medal at the 2020 edition of the Games. All eyes are on her as she prepares for the upcoming 2024 Olympics.
Will she become the first Indian to win 3 medals at the Olympics? We all hope to bag the gold medal this time. Sindhu has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible.
Her legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations of athletes, and her contributions to Indian sports will be remembered for years to come.
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