Celebrating the extraordinary journey of PV Sindhu, India's badminton superstar, with a spotlight on her remarkable achievements and personal moments
On July 5, 1995, a badminton legend was born in Secunderabad, India. PusarlaVenkataSindhu, known to the world as PV Sindhu, has become one of India's most successful female athletes. Her journey from a young girl with a racquet to an international sports icon is nothing short of inspirational.
To celebrate her birthday, we have compiled a list of little-known episodes from her life to share with her fans.
Sindhu's journey in badminton was greatly influenced by India's badminton legend, Pullela Gopichand. His victory at the 2001 All England Open Badminton Championship inspired Sindhu to take up the sport. Gopichand's mentorship played a pivotal role in shaping Sindhu's career. Under his guidance, she honed her skills and developed the tenacity that has become her hallmark.
Sindhu becomes the First Indian women to win Two Olympic medals // Picture Curtsey – Paris 2024
In 2016, PV Sindhu captured the hearts of millions when she won the silver medal at the Rio Olympics. This remarkable feat made her the first Indian woman to win an Olympic silver in badminton. She didn't stop there; four years later, at the Tokyo Olympics, she clinched the bronze medal, becoming the first Indian woman to win two Olympic medals. Her relentless pursuit of excellence has firmly placed her among the greats of the sport.
Sindhu's dedication is further exemplified by her daily 112-kilometre round trip to the Pullela Gopichand Academy for training. She never missed a session and was always among the first to arrive. This level of commitment is a testament to her passion and determination to excel.
Gold medal at Commonwealth Game 2022 // Picture Curtsey – Paris 2024
Success in sports often demands sacrifices, and Sindhu's story is no different. Before the Rio Olympics in 2016, she spent three months without her phone, focusing entirely on her training. This discipline, imposed by her coach, Gopichand, paid off spectacularly. Sindhu's commitment to her sport was evident when she chose to skip her elder sister's wedding to play in a junior-level tournament in Lucknow at the age of 17.
PV Sindhu's achievements have brought her recognition and admiration from all corners. After her silver medal win at the Rio Olympics, she received a BMW car from cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar and a generous gift from Bollywood superstar Salman Khan. These tokens of appreciation from prominent figures highlight the impact of her achievements on the Indian sports landscape.
Sindhu appointed as a Deputy Collector in Andhra Pradesh government // Picture Curtsey – Times of India
In addition to her sports career, Sindhu has also taken on a significant role in public service. In July 2017, she was appointed as the Deputy Collector of Vijayawada district by the Andhra Pradesh government. Balancing her sports career with her responsibilities as a public servant, Sindhu continues to inspire with her versatility and dedication.
