Saina Nehwal, Kidambi Srikanth - signs of India's success in badminton

Saina Nehwal and Kidambi Srikanth

New Delhi, April 7 (IANS) The twin victories at the recent India Open Superseries here were extraordinary moments for Indian badminton. When Kidambi Srikanth followed his senior compatriot Saina Nehwal atop the podium at the Siri Fort Sports Complex, it reflected India's rapid progress in the sport. Until recently a country with few journeymen in the top-100 of the world rankings, India has made a sensational shift in producing world-beaters.

Eight years ago, it would have seemed improbable that India would produce a Superseries champion. However, the country today not only has the women's singles World No.1, but also a line-up of singles players hungry for and capable of winning titles at the highest level.

Several factors have contributed to the phenomenon. Pullela Gopichand's All England victory in 2001, broadcast live on television, caught the attention of a young generation of Indians.

Not long thereafter, the Badminton Association of India (BAI), together with the Badminton World Federation (BWF), started bringing big events to India such as the Badminton Asia Championships (2005) and the India Open Grand Prix Gold (2008). These events treated local fans to some of the world's best badminton action and players -- live and direct.

"What's transpired in Indian badminton over recent years is a great example of how one sport can capture a country's imagination and how vital support can help it to flourish, and for that sponsors like Yonex-Sunrise -- which now title sponsors the India Open - must be highly commended," said BWF secretary general Thomas Lund.

Such initiatives ultimately paid rich dividends two Sundays ago with Saina and Srikanth's victories, a rare instance of two non-Chinese home players winning Superseries titles.

For Saina, a burden was removed from her back as she had never performed to her satisfaction or to her potential in her country's biggest tournament. Srikanth's triumph heightened speculation that he is among the next generation of superstars in men's singles while proving his China Open win last year was not a one-off wonder.

His success suggested that he could well be ready to challenge China's Chen Long for the top spot in the world rankings, something he is not afraid to acknowledge.

"I've always carried it in my mind and it's good to have that ambition to be on top. I won't get it this week but if I carry on playing well, definitely one day I will be there," he noted.

Having compatriot Saina's trailblazing example to follow is surely inspiration enough.