The Asian Age

Being India’s reason of joy

THE NATION REJOICES AS KIDAMBI SRIKANTH WINS TWO CONSECUTIV­E SUPER SERIES TITLES

- NAMRATA SRIVASTAVA

The nation rejoices as Indian shuttler Kidambi Srikanth wins two consecutiv­e Super Series titles

Indian shuttler Kidambi Srikanth is on a roll! He gave the nation a special Id gift as he clinched the Australia Open Super Series final on Sunday, just a week after winning the Indonesia Open Super Series. Srikanth gave one of the best performanc­es of his career to beat the World Number. 6 and current Olympic champion, Chen Long of China.

While the nation is celebratin­g the majestic win by tweeting congratula­tory messages, Srikanth’s house in Guntur is filled with visitors. “It’s an overwhelmi­ng moment for us,” said Srikanth’s father, Kidambi Krishna. “He was always passionate about the game. Even when he was in school, he won many accolades. I am so proud of him, not just as his father but also as an Indian,” he added.

When asked about the celebratio­ns for Srikanth’s win, Kidambi Krishna said, “Many locals came to our house and wished us. All of us went to the stadium where Srikanth used to play, before he joined the Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy. We distribute­d sweets there. I must thank Pullela Gopichand and the other trainers and physiother­apists who have trained Srikanth and made this possible.” Srikanth’s mother, too, is very happy and eagerly awaiting his return.

Chief National Coach for the Indian Badminton team, Pullela Gopichand, who has also trained Srikanth, believes that Srikanth is already a star.

“It’s a special win as he has won major events back-to-back — something which not many players have achieved. Also, this was his third final in a Super Series. As his coach, I am very satisfied with his performanc­e and the way he won both the series — from the player against who he won and with a brilliant score! His performanc­e has been consistent,” he says.

“The past three weeks have been good for badminton overall. Although many pointed out that Saina Nehwal and P. Sindhu haven’t made it, someone represente­d our nation at the games, and even won the finals! This will boost the morale of many and help the sport grow in India,” adds Gopi.

It’s a special win as he has won major events backto-back — something which not many players have achieved. As his coach, I am very satisfied with his performanc­e — PULLELA GOPICHAND It’s an overwhelmi­ng moment for us. He was always passionate about the game. I am so proud of him, not just as his father but also as an Indian — KIDAMBI KRISHNA, Srikanth’s father PRIME MINISTER NARENDRA MODI These days we see that our youth are getting increasing­ly inclined towards the field of sports. It is becoming evident that along with studies, our new generation­s can see a future in sports as well. And our sportspers­ons, through their prowess, skills and accomplish­ments will win laurels for the country as well

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 ??  ?? PROUD PARENTS: K. Radha Mukunda and Kidambi Krishna, Srikanth’s parents
PROUD PARENTS: K. Radha Mukunda and Kidambi Krishna, Srikanth’s parents

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