India’s top badminton player PV Sindhu has added another feather to her cap by winning a silver medal at the BWF Swiss Open Super 300. Despite her commendable performance throughout the tournament, Sindhu was outplayed in the final match by Spain’s Carolina Marin, who is currently ranked number three in the world and is also the reigning Olympic champion.
Final Match Against Carolina Marin
In the crucial final match of the women’s singles event, PV Sindhu faced a tough opponent in Carolina Marin. The Spaniard proved her mettle by defeating Sindhu with a scoreline of 12-21, 5-21. Marin’s aggressive play and quick footwork were too much for Sindhu, who struggled to find her rhythm against the dominant Spaniard.
Sindhu’s Journey to the Final
PV Sindhu’s road to the final was noteworthy as it marked her return to form after a considerable gap. It had been 19 months since Sindhu last made it to the finals of any tournament, a dry spell that had attracted criticism from various quarters. However, she silenced her critics by reaching the final of the Swiss Open. In the semifinal, Sindhu showcased her skill and determination by defeating Denmark’s Mia Blichfeldt with scores of 22-20 and 21-10, signaling a strong comeback after 13 tournaments without making it past the semifinals.
Significance of the Swiss Open
The Swiss Open, held from March 2 to 7 at the St. Jakobshalle in Basel, Switzerland, holds particular significance as it marks the resumption of the Race to Tokyo—the qualification period for the upcoming Tokyo Olympics. This event was not just the first for the calendar year but also an important step for players looking to secure their spots at the Olympics.
Viktor Axelsen’s Victory in Men’s Singles
In the men’s singles category, Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen emerged victorious, clinching the title by defeating Thailand’s Kunlavut Vitidsarn in the finals. Axelsen’s win adds to his impressive career achievements and highlights the competitive nature of the tournament across both the men’s and women’s categories.
Who is PV Sindhu?
PV Sindhu is one of India’s most celebrated badminton players, having won numerous medals on the international stage. She made history by becoming the first Indian to be crowned Badminton World Champion. Additionally, Sindhu is the first Indian woman to win an Olympic silver medal, which she earned at the 2016 Rio Games. Her career-best ranking was World No.2, achieved in 2017. Sindhu’s consistent performance over the years has made her an inspiration for aspiring badminton players in India and around the world.
