PV Sindhu: Beyond Badminton- The Untold Story

P V Sindhu in Paris

PV Sindhu-The stage is set for another historic chapter in India’s sporting saga as PV Sindhu prepares to don the national colors once again at the Paris Olympics 2024. The two-time Olympic medalist, a beacon of inspiration for millions, is on the cusp of creating history by clinching her third Olympic medal. With unwavering determination and relentless pursuit of excellence, Sindhu has captured the hearts of the nation. As she embarks on this challenging journey, the entire country stands united in support, cheering her on to conquer new heights and script a golden finale to her Olympic odyssey.

Personal Information

AttributeDetails
Birth NamePusarla Venkata Sindhu
CountryIndia
Born5 July 1995 (age 29)
BirthplaceHyderabad, Andhra Pradesh (now in Telangana), India
Height1.79 m (5 ft 10 in)
Weight65 kg (143 lb)
Years Active2011–present
HandednessRight
CoachAgus Dwi Santoso

PV Sindhu: A Medalist Extraordinaire

  • Olympic Medals: Silver (Rio 2016), Bronze (Tokyo 2020)
  • World Champion: First Indian to win the Badminton World Championships (2019)
  • Commonwealth Games: Gold (2022), Silver (2018), Bronze (2014)
  • Asian Games: Silver (2018), Bronze (2014)
  • Awards: Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri, Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award (now Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award), Arjuna Award

A Legacy of Sports

PV Sindhu, a name synonymous with Indian badminton, is more than just an Olympic medalist. Her journey to stardom is a testament to her dedication and the supportive environment she grew up in.

Athletic Lineage: Hailing from a family of athletes, Sindhu’s passion for sports was inherent. Both her parents, PV Ramana and P Vijaya, were accomplished volleyball players at the national level. Her father’s recognition with the Arjuna Award in 2000 further cemented the family’s sporting legacy.

A Journey of Dedication

Sindhu’s pursuit of badminton excellence was marked by immense sacrifices and unwavering determination.

  • Early Struggles: Her journey to becoming a world-class player involved early morning wake-up calls and a grueling daily commute of 120 kilometers to train under the guidance of Pullela Gopichand. Her father’s dedication in supporting her dreams is a heartwarming tale of parental support.
  • Prioritizing Passion: Sindhu’s commitment to badminton was so profound that she missed her sister’s wedding to participate in a tournament. This decision highlights her unwavering focus on her career.

Beyond the Court

Away from the badminton court, Sindhu reveals a different side to her personality.

  • A Foodie at Heart: Despite maintaining a strict diet during training, Sindhu has a penchant for delicious food. Her love for Hyderabadi biryani and ice cream is well-documented.
  • Cinema Enthusiast: When she’s not training, Sindhu enjoys watching movies. She is a fan of Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh and Telugu stars Mahesh Babu, Allu Arjun, and Prabhas.
  • Public Service: In recognition of her achievements, the Andhra Pradesh government appointed Sindhu as the Deputy Collector of Vijayawada district in 2017.

Sacrifices for the Sport

In 2012, Sindhu missed her sister’s wedding because she was competing in the Syed Modi International India Grand Prix Gold in Lucknow. This commitment to her sport at such a young age demonstrates her dedication and passion for badminton.

Phone-Free Training

In preparation for the 2016 Rio Olympics, Sindhu’s coach, Pullela Gopichand, took away her phone for three months to help her focus. This discipline paid off when she became the first Indian badminton player to win an Olympic silver medal.

Rewards and Recognition

Sindhu’s hard work and talent have been duly recognized with numerous accolades and honors.

  • Olympic Glory: Creating history twice, Sindhu became the first Indian woman to win two individual Olympic medals. Her silver at the Rio Olympics in 2016 and bronze at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020 solidified her status as a national icon.
  • Special Recognition: The ‘Master Blaster’ Sachin Tendulkar acknowledged her exceptional achievement by gifting her a BMW car after her Rio Olympics triumph.

Also read- Paris 2024 Olympics: All the Action Featuring India – Schedule & IST Timings https://globalbuzznetwork.com/paris-2024-olympics-full-schedule-india/ull-schedule-india/

Professional Information

CategoryDetails
Women’s Singles
Career Record455 wins, 200 losses
Highest Ranking2 (1 April 2017)
Current Ranking13 (16 July 2024)
Medal Record
Olympic GamesSilver medal – 2016 Rio de Janeiro (Women’s singles)
Bronze medal – 2020 Tokyo (Women’s singles)
World ChampionshipsGold medal – 2019 Basel (Women’s singles)
Silver medal – 2017 Glasgow (Women’s singles)
Silver medal – 2018 Nanjing (Women’s singles)
Bronze medal – 2013 Guangzhou (Women’s singles)
Bronze medal – 2014 Copenhagen (Women’s singles)
Uber CupBronze medal – 2014 New Delhi (Women’s team)
Bronze medal – 2016 Kunshan (Women’s team)
Commonwealth GamesGold medal – 2018 Gold Coast (Mixed team)
Gold medal – 2022 Birmingham (Women’s singles)
Silver medal – 2018 Gold Coast (Women’s singles)
Silver medal – 2022 Birmingham (Mixed team)
Bronze medal – 2014 Glasgow (Women’s singles)
Asian GamesSilver medal – 2018 Jakarta–Palembang (Women’s singles)
Bronze medal – 2014 Incheon (Women’s team)
Asian ChampionshipsBronze medal – 2014 Gimcheon (Women’s singles)
Bronze medal – 2022 Manila (Women’s singles)
Asia Mixed Team ChampionshipsBronze medal – 2023 Dubai (Mixed team)
Asia Team ChampionshipsGold medal – 2024 Selangor (Women’s team)
South Asian GamesGold medal – 2016 Guwahati–Shillong (Women’s team)
Silver medal – 2016 Guwahati–Shillong (Women’s singles)
Commonwealth Youth GamesGold medal – 2011 Douglas (Girls’ singles)
Asian Junior ChampionshipsGold medal – 2012 Gimcheon (Girls’ singles)
Bronze medal – 2011 Lucknow (Girls’ singles)
Bronze medal – 2011 Lucknow (Mixed team)
https://olympics.com/en/athletes/v-sindhu-pusarla