‘I have learnt many things, but there’s more to learn. Every day is a new start.’ -PV Sindhu
Early Career and Beginnings
Pusarla Venkata Sindhu, popularly known as PV Sindhu, was born on July 5, 1995, in Hyderabad, India. From a young age, Sindhu showed promise in badminton, guided by her parents who were former volleyball players. She began her formal training under the tutelage of renowned coach Pullela Gopichand at his badminton academy in Hyderabad. Under his mentorship, Sindhu honed her skills and laid the foundation for what would become a stellar career in badminton.
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Achievements
Sindhu quickly made her mark on the junior circuit, winning titles like the All India Ranking Championship and the Sub-Junior Nationals, signalling her readiness to compete at the international level.
In 2009, Sindhu announced her arrival on the international stage by winning the bronze medal at the sub-junior Asian Badminton Championships. She followed this up with a singles silver at the International Badminton Challenge in Iran the following year. Sindhu's career trajectory showcased steady improvement year by year. She displayed this pattern at the 2012 Asian Junior Championships, where she won gold after previously securing a bronze.
Her breakthrough moment came at the prestigious World Championships in 2019, where she clinched gold after defeating Japan’s Nozomi Okuhara in a stunning display of skill and dominance.
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Sindhu's success extended to the Commonwealth Games, where she won bronze in 2014, followed by silver and gold in the 2018 edition. She completed her set of CWG medals in singles by securing gold at Birmingham 2022.
In 2022, Sindhu added to her accolades by winning bronze at the Badminton Asia Championships before clinching gold at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. Despite facing challenges in 2023, she led India to a bronze medal finish at the Badminton Asia Mixed Team Championships in Dubai.
Beyond her international triumphs, Sindhu has also been a prominent figure in the Premier Badminton League, showcasing her skills while representing the Hyderabad Hunters.
Sindhu at the Olympics
The Olympic Games have been a defining stage in Sindhu's career, where she has showcased her mettle and resilience on multiple occasions. In addition to her silver medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics, Sindhu went on to claim another medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Despite facing stiff competition, Sindhu displayed exceptional skill and determination to secure the bronze medal, becoming only the second Indian woman to win two Olympic medals.
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Latest Wins
Sindhu recently made a triumphant return to the badminton court after a standout performance at the Badminton Asia Team Championships in Malaysia. The Indian women's team, led by her, clinched their first-ever gold in the tournament by defeating favourites Thailand 3-2 in a thrilling final.
This victory holds special significance for Sindhu, who has been on a journey of recovery and resurgence after battling injuries and setbacks. Sindhu's return to form comes after a challenging period marked by injuries and struggles on the court. Despite setbacks, she remained resilient and focused on her goal of returning to the top of her game.
After suffering a stress fracture in her leg and subsequent knee injury, Sindhu took a five-month break from the tour to recuperate and rehabilitate. Her return to the court at the Badminton Asia Team Championships showcased Sindhu's unwavering determination and fighting spirit. She led the Indian charge with a stellar performance, clinching crucial victories to propel the team to gold medal glory.
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Reflecting on her unexpected gold medal win, Sindhu credited the entire team for their fantastic effort and expressed her joy at contributing to the team's success. The victory not only boosted Sindhu's confidence but also earned her valuable ranking points in the Race to Paris 2024.
Legacy and Impact
Beyond her achievements on the court, Sindhu's impact extends far and wide, inspiring a generation of young athletes to pursue their dreams fearlessly. She has become a symbol of hope and resilience, breaking barriers and shattering stereotypes along the way. Sindhu's success has paved the way for future generations of Indian athletes and elevated the status of badminton in the country.
In recognition of her contributions to the sport, Sindhu has received numerous awards and accolades, including the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian award. She continues to be a role model for aspiring athletes worldwide, embodying the values of determination, perseverance, and sportsmanship.
As PV Sindhu continues to make waves in the world of badminton, her journey stands as a testament to the power of passion, hard work, and dedication. With her sights set on new milestones and conquests, Sindhu remains an inspiration to all who dare to dream big and strive for excellence.