The name PV Sindhu is synonymous with badminton excellence. She is a two-time Olympic silver medalist, the first Indian to win the BWF World Championships, and the first Indian to become a World No. 1 in badminton. She is one of India’s most celebrated athletes and her success has inspired millions of young badminton players across the country. But what led Sindhu to pick up the racquet and become a badminton champion? Let’s find out.
Early Years and Badminton Beginnings
PV Sindhu was born in Hyderabad in 1995 to P.V. Ramana and P. Vijaya. Her father was an international volleyball player and represented India in the 1986 Seoul Asian Games. Her mother was also a national-level badminton player. From a young age, Sindhu was surrounded by sports and it was only natural that she would gravitate towards it.
When she was 8-years-old, her parents enrolled her in badminton lessons. She was trained by the former Indian badminton player, Mehboob Ali at the Indian Railway Institute of Signal Engineering and Telecommunications in Secunderabad. Sindhu quickly developed an aptitude for badminton and began winning state-level championships.
Sindhu and Pullela Gopichand
When Sindhu was 11-years-old, her parents took her to the Gopichand Badminton Academy in Hyderabad. At the time, the academy was run by Pullela Gopichand, a former All-England champion. Gopichand was impressed by Sindhu’s talent and her parents’ commitment and decided to take her on as a student.
Gopichand’s training methods were rigorous but Sindhu was committed and worked hard. She trained for 6-7 hours a day and was determined to make the most of the opportunity presented to her. Her hard work paid off and she soon began to make a name for herself on the badminton circuit.
Rise to the Top
In 2010, Sindhu won the Sub-Junior National Badminton Championships and the same year she was part of the Indian team that won the bronze medal at the 2010 Asian Junior Badminton Championships. She continued to make progress and in 2011, she won the Asian Junior Badminton Championships.
In 2013, at the age of 18, Sindhu became the first Indian to win the BWF World Championships. She also won a bronze medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games and a silver medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Her Rise to Stardom
Sindhu’s success has made her an international star. She has been showered with awards and accolades, including the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, India’s highest sporting honour. She has also been given the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award.
Conclusion
PV Sindhu is an inspiration to millions of badminton players across the world. Her success is a testament to her hard work and dedication. Her journey from a young badminton prodigy to a world champion is an inspiration to us all and a reminder that anything is possible if we put our minds to it.