Sindhu scripts history, becomes 1st Indian to win World Championship

Indian shuttler PV Sindhu created history on Sunday (August 25) as she became the first Indian to win the badminton World Championship.

Sindhu defeated Japan’s Nozomi Okuhara in the women’s singles final of the BWF World Championships, held at St Jakobshalle in Basel, Switzerland.

In a clinical performance, she managed to beat the Japanese shuttler 21-7, 21-7 in just 38 minutes. With this win, she avenged her 2017 defeat by Okuhara.

Also Read: The alarming, consistent losses of PV Sindhu

“I lost in the last two finals and this win was very important for me. I was to thank the crowd for supporting me every time. I won for my country and I am very proud to be an Indian,” said the Hyderabad-based badminton champion.

Wishing her mother, Vijaya, on her birthday, 24-year-old Sindhu said, “A big thanks to my coach Miss Kim and Gopi sir and the entire support staff. I also want to dedicate this to my parents and especially my mom, it’s her birthday today. So, happy birthday mom.”

President Ram Nath Kovind congratulated her for her victory and offered her best wishes for her future endeavours.

Congratulations @Pvsindhu1 for winning the BWF World Championship. This is a proud moment for the entire country.

Your magic on the court, hardwork and perseverance enthralls and inspires millions. Best wishes World Champion for all your future battles #PresidentKovind

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) August 25, 2019

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister of State Kiren Rijiju congratulated Sindhu on winning the World Championship.

The stupendously talented @Pvsindhu1 makes India proud again!

Congratulations to her for winning the Gold at the BWF World Championships. The passion and dedication with which she’s pursued badminton is inspiring.

PV Sindhu’s success will inspire generations of players.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 25, 2019

PV Sindhu creates history by becoming the first-ever Indian to claim gold in BWF World Badminton Championships! India is proud of @Pvsindhu1?? My hearty congratulations! Govt will continue to provide best support & facilities to produce champions. #BWFWorldChampionships2019 pic.twitter.com/LxWzQirTXh

— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) August 25, 2019

“The stupendously talented @Pvsindhu1 makes India proud again! Congratulations to her for winning the Gold at the BWF World Championships. The passion and dedication with which she’s pursued badminton is inspiring. PV Sindhu’s success will inspire generations of players,” the Prime Minister tweeted.

Also read: The alarming, consistent losses of PV Sindhu

DMK president M K Stalin and Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam top leader T T V Dhinakaran lauded P V Sindhu for her historic triumph.

“Heartiest congratulations to @Pvsindhu1on her maiden Gold at the BWF World Championships. I wish her many more victories in years to come. May her success be an inspiration for young Indians to excel in sports. #PVSindhu,” Stalin said in a tweet.

Heartiest congratulations to @Pvsindhu1 on her maiden Gold at the BWF World Championships.

I wish her many more victories in years to come.

May her success be an inspiration for young Indians to excel in sports.#PVSindhu

— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) August 25, 2019

Dhinakaran, in his tweet, congratulated Sindhu for her accomplishment and wished her to continue her victory streak and shine in the sport.

The country’s sporting fraternity, led by cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar hailed Sindhu’s victory saying her feat has made India proud.

Amazing performance, @Pvsindhu1!
Congratulations on becoming the 1st ever ?? to win the BWF World Championships!
You have made India proud, yet again.#BWFWorldChampionships2019 pic.twitter.com/sUYPsVlnLT

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) August 25, 2019

Badminton Association of India on Sunday (August 25) announced a cash reward of Rs 20 lakh and Rs 5 lakh for PV Sindhu and Sai Praneeth for their historic feats.

“BAI President @himantabiswa announces cash award of Rs 20 lakh for World Champion @Pvsindhu1 and 5 lakh for @saiprneeth92 for their historic performance at the #bwfworldchampionship2019,” tweeted BAI.

BAI President @himantabiswa announces cash award of 2⃣0⃣ lac for World Champion @Pvsindhu1 and 5⃣lac for @saiprneeth92 for their historic performance at the #bwfworldchampionship2019

Kudos Champs!#IndiaontheRise #BWFWC2019 pic.twitter.com/imPqB5nVmu

— BAI Media (@BAI_Media) August 25, 2019

While Sindhu became the first Indian to win a World Championships gold, Praneeth ended a 36-year wait after Prakash Padukone’s feat to secure a bronze for the country in men’s singles.

(With inputs from PTI)