2019 has been a tremendously successful and fulfiling year for Indian women across various spheres. Actress Priyanka Chopra was named one of the 50 most powerful women in entertainment in USA Today’s power icons list. Anshula Kant was appointed as World Bank’s MD and CEO. And biker Aishwarya Pissay became the first Indian to win a world motorsports title.
Now, 24-year-old shuttler PV Sindhu has beaten Japan’s Nozomi Okuhara 21-7, 21-7 to become the first Indian to clinch a gold medal at the World Badminton Championships and we couldn’t be happier!
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
This was her third outing at a championship final and she displayed her complete mastery of the game through power-smashes and minimal unforced errors. Yesterday’s match in Basel, Switzerland lasted a mere 38 minutes. According to India Today, the victory came on her mom’s birthday and in a heartwarming gesture, a part of the crowd sang “Happy Birthday”. Following her historic triumph, in an interview with The Hindu, she attributed her success to her coaches saying,
“Definitely, the Korean coach Kim Ji Jyun’s inputs and Gopi sir’s guidance were major plus points in my campaign. I must say Kim has her own effective style of getting the best out of me.”
https://twitter.com/MajorPoonia/status/1165644194406391813
“Yes, this is the biggest gift I could give to my mother who is celebrating her birthday today and I dedicate this win to my parents, grandparents, coaches, all the support staff at the Gopi Academy and fellow-players who have always been there with me.”
News18 quoted her overjoyed mother saying, “It’s a great moment for all of us. We are proud and happy over her historic win. This time she has given a great gift to me and to the nation.”
#WATCH P. Vijaya, mother of #PVSindhu in Hyderabad: We are very happy, we were waiting for that gold medal. #Telangana pic.twitter.com/v9GNBEp8tt
— ANI (@ANI) August 25, 2019
The badminton superstar already has her sights on her next conquest and we wish her all the very best for it.
“Well, one goal is achieved and the next one is there — the Olympics. I will really work hard and will prepare to win that one also by doing well in the Super Series in the run-up to the Tokyo Games next year.”
Here is how desi Twitter celebrated her maiden gold.
#makinghistory Now that’s FIRE!!!👊❤️First Indian to win a Gold #BWFWorldChampionships2019 dominating the finals & HOW!!! Soooooo proud of you @Pvsindhu1 & a Happyyyy Birthday to your Mom🤗😍😁❤️ I love you, GodSpeed👍❤️ #ProudIndian 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/JaBfiKVVUv
— sushmita sen (@thesushmitasen) August 25, 2019
HISTORY! @Pvsindhu1 world badminton champion.. arguably one of the greatest moments in individual sport for India.. just wow! Many many congrats.. proud moment for all Indian sports fans..
— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) August 25, 2019
Hearty congratulations to PV Sindhu for creating history & becoming the first Indian to clinch Badminton World Championships gold by defeating Japan’s Nozomi Okuhara #BWFWorldChampionships 2019 finals. The entire nation is proud of your stupendous achievement @Pvsindhu1#PVSindhu pic.twitter.com/SaLOV790oh
— Vice President of India (@VPSecretariat) August 25, 2019
Congratulations @Pvsindhu1 ! First World Badminton Championship title 🏆Thank you for making India proud again! 🇮🇳 #womenpower 💪
— Nayanthara✨ (@NayantharaU) August 25, 2019
Thank you, PV Sindhu, for setting a powerful example for all the young girls in India who dream of taking up sports as a viable career option. We are grateful for the accolades you have brought for the nation and couldn’t be more proud of your achievements.