All eyes on Gold as badminton players, enthusiasts rejoice over Sindhu’s heroics in the semis

August 19, 2016

PV Sindhu in action at the Premier Badminton League 2016 held in Mumbai in January. Photograph by Jafar Khan / Fotocorp. Courtesy MxMIndia

PV Sindhu’s aim for the gold medal has got all of India (and Pune) excited as it is the first time that a sportsperson from the country has made to an Olympic badminton final. At Pune365, we spoke to some former badminton players and enthusiasts to understand the amount of hard work and dedication it took P V Sindhu to bring such joy to the city and the country:

Girish Natu, Associate Vice President, Badminton Association of India

“Indeed, it is a great achievement for us. It isn’t easy to cross all the hurdles. She played against Japan’s NozomiOkuhara. She is extremely talented and has worked very hard for this.”

Rahul Dhole Patil, Chairman of Cricket and Badminton, Poona Club

“We absolutely feel on top of the world. Everyone’s good wishes are with her. And even more so since badminton was invented in Pune. We need to support the sportsmen and women in this country more. We need to make sure that they are provided with good coaches so that we can see more of India at the Olympics.”

Archana Deodhar, badminton coach and former badminton player

“It is absolutely great that she has made it so far. Indeed, it is a matter of great pride for us.”

Prabhul Nair, badminton enthusiast

“It was an extremely aggressive match against Nozomi Okuhara. The last set was very intense. Sindhu’s previous match was also very interesting to watch. Now, we’re just waiting for the finals which is very exciting.”