The spirit of competence!

It's time to remember P.V.Sindhu for more, than being an Olympic silver medalist, more than a giant killer. The 'giant' in the world badminton had been the Chinese players one after the other for a few years which must be lauded undoubtedly. And now, there are giants from at least half a dozen countries. It's not about the current day but the day the Rio Olympic podium was occupied by three medal winners from three different countries, and none from China, was the day it was proven to had begun. 

Going back in time for five years, I used to watch the semi finals and finals of the BWF super series on the weekends. There used to be barely any other commending player in women's singles than the super Saina Nehwal who would stand in between the Chinese and the BWF super series titles. Starting with disheartening losses to achieve the series of titles later on, Saina's swift rise against the monopoly of Chinese is ever inspiring. I used to wonder if anyone would come up to continue her legacy. I never imagined that down the line five years, there would be not just one but a handful of players from other countries to stand tall in the podium-finish matches. 

Yesterday when I watched the semi finals of women's singles of the BWF world championships, I felt amused to see the likes of Sindhu and Okuhara coming up fast. Carolina Marin and Ratchanok have been the front runners in making the women's singles interesting. Saina Nehwal, needless to say is one among the tough contenders ever. It's matter of time and effort. Can't close this by not mentioning about the ace coaches behind all these flamboyant players. The coaches who not just believed in these players but believed in challenging some of the best players in the history of badminton from China. Nothing against China but it's good to see the players from different countries come and compete, in the spirit of the game, in the spirit of the contributes towards the game. Hope this competence continues. 

And for today's final clash between Sindhu and Okuhara, I wish both the players all the best. The better will win and may they perform their best. 

Also, my best wishes to the greatest badminton player ever in men's singles, by titles and numbers, Lin Dan, for today's match by winning which he will become the first ever player in the history of the game to have won six world championship titles.