Celebrating PV Sindhu's badminton brilliance on her birthday
It's time to smash some birthday cake and reminisce about some epic smashes! As India's badminton queen, PV Sindhu, rings in another year, let's celebrate her remarkable career with a journey through her most thrilling victories.
From her silver medal feat at the Rio Olympics to finally clinching the coveted World Championship gold, Sindhu's story is one of grit, determination, and strokes that redefined Indian badminton. So, buckle up and get ready to relive some of the golden moments that cemented PV Sindhu's place as a legend on the court!
The 2016 Rio Olympics saw Sindhu step out of the shadow cast by her more established compatriot, Saina Nehwal. Reaching the final without dropping a game, she faced the fiery Carolina Marin of Spain. In a nail-biting first game, Sindhu held her nerve, edging out Marin.
However, the Spaniard bounced back with powerful strokes and quick court coverage, eventually clinching the gold. Though it wasn't the colour India craved, Sindhu's silver medal marked a glorious chapter in her career.
The 2017 World Championship final in Glasgow was a badminton spectacle. Sindhu clashed with Nozomi Okuhara of Japan in a match lasting a gruelling 110 minutes. Both players pushed themselves to the limit, with rallies testing their physical and mental fortitude.
One such rally, lasting a staggering 73 shots, became a testament to their relentless pursuit of victory. Despite showcasing her powerful smashes and sharp returns, Sindhu fell short in a thrilling three-setter.
Silver lining or shining gold, PV Sindhu's every win inspires // Picture Courtesy -- NDTV
In 2012, the Indian badminton scene revolved around Saina Nehwal. A young Sindhu, then just 17, decided to make a bold statement. Facing the newly crowned Olympic champion, Li Xuerui, in the quarterfinals, Sindhu displayed exceptional match awareness.
After a tight first game, Li Xuerui hit back with a dominating performance in the second. However, Sindhu refused to crumble. She displayed her character and tactical brilliance, eventually emerging victorious. This win is considered a turning point in Sindhu's career, announcing her arrival on the world stage.
2018 was a testing year for Sindhu. Despite reaching seven finals, she went 13 months without a title. Critics questioned her ability to close out close matches. However, Sindhu silenced them all at the season-ending BWF World Tour Finals.
In the group stage, she faced her nemesis, Tai Tzu Ying, against whom she had a losing record. This time, Sindhu displayed a change in tactics. She remained aggressive and capitalised on her strengths, securing a crucial win.
Raising the medal high, PV Sindhu shows us the power of dedication // Picture Courtesy – India Tv News
The World Championships have witnessed Sindhu's finest displays. In 2019, she had a chance to rewrite history. Once again, her opponent was Okuhara, the player who snatched the gold from her grasp two years prior. The final was a stark contrast to their previous encounter.
Sindhu dominated the match, dismantling Okuhara's defence with powerful smashes and precise drops. In a mere 37 minutes, she secured a convincing victory, finally etching her name as the World Champion—a dream she had relentlessly pursued.
PV Sindhu's journey is an inspiration for aspiring athletes. Her dedication, fighting spirit, and tactical brilliance have made her a true badminton icon. As she celebrates her birthday, we look forward to witnessing many more glorious moments from this badminton queen.
