President Draupadi Murmu played badminton ace shuttler and Commonwealth Games gold medalist Saina Nehwal at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Badminton Court on Wednesday.
President Murmu announced the prestigious Durand Cup, President’s Cup, and Shimla Trophy at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Wednesday. The 133rd edition of the Durand Cup, the opener of the Indian Football season, will begin on July 27 and the final is scheduled to take place on August 31.
The official social media of the President of India shared a glimpse of Draupadi Murmu playing badminton. As part of the ‘Her Story – My Story’ lecture series with Padma awardees, Nehwal will speak at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Center on Thursday.
“President Draupadi Murmu’s innate love for sports and games was evident when she played badminton with renowned player Saina Nehwal at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Badminton Court. The President’s inspirational move aligns with India’s rise as a badminton powerhouse.
Women players are making a big impact on the world stage as part of the ‘Her Story – My Story’ lecture series featuring Padma awardee Saina Nehwal, India’s iconic sportsperson Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan will speak and interact with the audience at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Center tomorrow,” the Indian president wrote on his official social media handle while sharing pictures.
The 33-year-old shuttler from Haryana grabbed everyone’s attention after winning the BWF Junior World Championship in 2008 at the start of his career. In the same year, he performed for the first time in the Olympics but had to wait another four years for a medal at the Summer Olympics.
In 2008, she became the first Indian woman to reach the quarterfinals at the Olympics. At the time, she beat Hong Kong’s Wang Chen, ranked fifth in the world, but lost to Indonesia’s Maria Kristin Yulianti. In 2009, Saina became the first Indian to win a BWF Super Series event. His remarkable efforts were recognized when he was awarded the Arjuna Award in 2009 and the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award in 2010.
Sukkula had a phenomenal career in India, transforming the sport in the country. Saina has represented India in several leading badminton competitions, winning various awards and medals. She is also the only Indian women player to hold the world number one ranking in the sport. Saina has played a major role in inspiring thousands of sportspersons and youth to succeed in the country.
