An easy opening round win at the World Badminton Championships, and then the news that he’s been recommended for an Arjuna Award — it was the perfect end to a great day for Kidambi Srikanth.
An easy opening round win at the World Badminton Championships, and then the news that he’s been recommended for an Arjuna Award — it was the perfect end to a great day for Kidambi Srikanth.
The young shuttler, who’s in the form of his life, is among 17 recommended by the sports ministry for the prestigious award given for outstanding achievement in sports.
“I was absolutely thrilled when I heard I have been nominated for the Arjuna Award,” Srikanth told this newspaper from Jakarta.
“This award will inspire me to aim higher in my career. It will spur me on to play better and better at the World Championships as well as in upcoming tournaments,” Srikanth said.
The Arjuna comes on the heels of what has thus far been a tremendous year for the shuttler who trains at the Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy in Hyderabad, under the tutelage of chief national coach Gopichand.
Considered one of the more promising talents in Indian badminton, Srikanth was suddenly thrust into the limelight when he won the China Open in magnificent style last November, defeating the legendary Lin Dan to bag his first ever Superseries title.
Coach Gopi was understandably pleased. Expressing pride at his pupil’s latest achievement, Gopi said: “I’m really happy for Srikanth. It was completely deserved given how he has played over the last few months. I hope this will spur him on to greater heights.”
While obviously delighted, Srikanth has his feet planted firmly on the ground. “This is a big boost for me, certainly, and I will try my best to play even better than ever in the rest of the World Championships, but I will not guarantee any kind of success. It all depends on how I play in each match,” the youngster said.
