Indian Shuttlers Shine As Both PV Sindhu And Lakshya Sen Win CWG Gold

PV Sindhu and Lakshya Sen won badminton singles gold in women's and men's categories respectively at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games.

Sindhu elated: World number seven from India outplayed her thirteenth-ranked opponent 21-15, 21-13 in front of a packed crowd at the NEC arena.

• Sindhu was clinical in her short game and pounced on the slightest of attacking opportunities.

• Opponent Michelle had beaten the 2019 world champion back in the Glasgow Commonwealth Games in 2014.

• Sindhu maintained a dominating lead over her opponent throughout this match.

• At one point, Michelle seemed to make a comeback, but Sindhu firmly shut the door on her opponent.

• "I had been waiting for this gold for a long time and finally I have got it. I am super happy. Thanks to the crowd, they made me win today," Sindhu said.

Lakshya's thrilling win: The 20-year-old from Uttarakhand defeated Malaysia's Ng Tze Yong to win his maiden gold medal at the CWG.

He won the match 19-21, 21-9, 21-16 in a thriller that kept the audience on the edge.

Wishes pouring in: President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Sindhu and Sen.

Prez Murmu's tweets:

• "P V Sindhu has won the nation's heart by winning a historic badminton gold at #CommonwealthGames. You created magic on the court, enthralling millions. Your masterly win makes our Tiranga fly high & our national anthem resonate at Birmingham. Heartiest congratulations!"

• "The young and energetic Lakshya Sen makes India proud! Congratulations on winning the badminton gold at #CommonwealthGames. The way you bounced back with a commanding display symbolises a bold new India that is determined to win. You make our tricolour go up again at Birmingham."

PM Modi's tweets:

• "The phenomenal @Pvsindhu1 is a champion of champions! She repeatedly shows what excellence is all about. Her dedication and commitment is awe-inspiring. Congratulations to her on winning the Gold medal at the CWG. Wishing her the best for her future endeavours. #Cheer4India"

• "Elated by the accomplishment of @lakshya_sen. Congratulations on winning the Gold medal in Badminton. He’s played excellently through the CWG and showed outstanding resilience during the Finals. He is India’s pride. Best wishes to him for his future endeavours. #Cheer4India"

Ace sportspersons: Sindhu is a recipient of the Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri, Major Dhyanchand Khel Ratna Award, and Arjuna Award.

• She is the first and only Indian to become the badminton world champion and only the second individual athlete from India to win two consecutive medals at the Olympic Games.

• She won the silver medal in the Rio Olympics of 2016 and the Bronze medal in the Tokyo Olympics of 2021.

• She also won one gold, two silver, and two bronze medals at the BWF world championships over the years.

• Birmingham 2022 was Sindhu's third CWG medal overall. She had won a silver medal at the Gold Coast Olympics in 2018 and a bronze medal at the Glasgow Olympics, 2014.

• Sen, on the other hand, won the silver medal at the All England Open in 2022.

• He was part of the Indian men's team for Thomas Cup 2022. The team went on to win the Thomas Cup by beating Indonesia 3-0.

Victorious India: Indian badminton is now shining on the world stage across categories and age groups.