Born: 1995 (Hyderabad, India)
Biography:
Pusarla Venkata Sindhu, popularly known as P. V. Sindhu, was born on July 5, 1995, in Hyderabad, India. She is widely recognized as one of India’s most successful sportspersons and is considered a national icon. Sindhu has made remarkable contributions to badminton, achieving numerous accolades and breaking records throughout her career.
Born into a family with a sporting background, Sindhu was destined for greatness. Her parents, P. V. Ramana and P. Vijaya, were both national-level volleyball players. Ramana, in particular, had a successful career as a member of the Indian volleyball team that won the bronze medal in the 1986 Seoul Asian Games, for which he received the prestigious Arjuna Award in 2000.
Sindhu’s journey in badminton began at a young age when she started training under the watchful eye of her parents. Her hard work and dedication soon paid off as she quickly rose through the ranks. At the age of 17, in September 2012, she broke into the top 20 of the BWF World Rankings, showcasing her immense talent and potential.
In 2016, Sindhu made history when she became the first Indian badminton player to reach the Olympic final. Representing India at the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, she fought her way to the final, where she clinched a silver medal after a hard-fought battle against Spain’s Carolina Marín. This remarkable achievement not only put Sindhu on the global badminton map but also made her a national sensation.
Following her Olympic success, Sindhu continued to shine on the world stage. She went on to win numerous medals in prestigious tournaments, solidifying her position as one of the world’s best badminton players. Sindhu’s breakthrough moment came in 2019 when she became the first and only Indian to win the badminton world championship. Her gold medal triumph at the World Championships not only brought glory to her nation but also cemented her legacy as a badminton legend.
Sindhu’s accomplishments extended beyond the world championships. She won her first Super Series title at the 2016 China Open and continued to dominate the circuit with four more finals in 2017, securing titles in South Korea and India. In 2018, Sindhu emerged victorious at the BWF World Tour Finals, becoming the first Indian player to clinch a season finale title.
Not only has Sindhu excelled individually, but she has also represented India with great pride and distinction in team events. She has won two bronze medals at the Uber Cup, showcasing her ability to perform under pressure in a team setting. Additionally, Sindhu has been a consistent medalist at the Commonwealth Games, winning consecutive singles medals and clinching the gold medal at the 2018 edition.
Sindhu’s impact on women’s sports in India cannot be understated. She has inspired countless young girls to pursue their dreams and has become a role model for aspiring athletes across the nation. Her achievements have shattered stereotypes and showcased the potential of Indian women in the world of sports.
In recognition of Sindhu’s exceptional contributions, she has received numerous awards and honors. She has been conferred with the prestigious Arjuna Award, the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, and the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award. Additionally, Sindhu has been honored with the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award, for her remarkable achievements in the field of sports.
Awards:
– Arjuna Award
– Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna
– Padma Shri
– Padma Bhushan