[Watch] President Droupadi Murmu plays badminton match with Olympic medalist Saina Nehwal at Rashtrapati Bhavan
President Droupadi Murmu played an excellent game of badminton with Olympic medalist Saina Nehwal at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on July 10. The event was held at the Badminton Court Complex, Bhavan, which showed President Murmu's interest in sports and games.
It further emphasizes that India has made a name for itself in the game of badminton, and the women players have claimed a mammoth reputation globally.
The official X handle of the President of India shared some very vibrant pictures from the match, underlining the President's commitment to sports. This program was part of the 'Her Story – My Story' lecture series, dedicated to women Padma Awardees.
Watch the clip here:
Saina Nehwal has been the flag bearer of Indian badminton, and her list of prestigious civilian awards includes both Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan. After the game, Nehwal had to share a lecture and then engage in an interactive session at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre.
President of India's X account, while sharing the adorable photos, wrote:
"President Droupadi Murmu’s natural love for sports and games was seen when she played badminton with the much-celebrated player Ms. Saina Nehwal at the Badminton Court in Rashtrapati Bhavan. The President’s inspiring step is in keeping with India’s emergence as a badminton-power house, with women players making a great impact on the world stage."
The tweet further reads:
"As part of the ‘Her Story – My Story’ lecture series featuring women Padma Awardees, Ms. Saina Nehwal, an iconic Indian sportsperson, honoured with Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan, will deliver a talk and interact with the audience at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre tomorrow."
Nehwal also posted a picture with President Murmu on social media, thanking her and termed the day as memorable. She wrote:
"What a memorable day of my life ..Thank you so much President Mam for playing badminton with me ."
Top achievements of Saina Nehwal
The former world number one has 24 international titles, including ten Superseries to her name. She became the world's second-ranking player in 2009 before reaching the top spot in 2015, the only female player from India to achieve the feat.
Saina Nehwal is the second Indian player, after Prakash Padukone, to become world number one. This lady represented India in three Olympic Games, and she won a bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics.
In addition to that, Nehwal became the first Indian badminton player to win an Olympic medal and the first to reach the final of the BWF World Championships.