“The best
lesson I have learnt from Sindhu is when she said, ‘You cannot always win; winning
and losing is a part of sports’,” says swimmer Sanjana Prabhugoakar, who, among
many young women, considers P V Sindhu a role model.
Yes,
it’s true that many women are now beginning to follow in the footsteps of P V
Sindhu, especially with her becoming the first Indian gold winner at the 2019 BWF World Championships –
Women’s singles. And while Goan sportswomen have done themselves and Goa proud, PV
Sindhu’s world championship makes her a national role model. And Goan sportswomen
are no different
Nicole Remedios; nicole@herald-goa.com
Over the weekend, everyone has been talking about
badminton player PV Sindhu winning gold at the women’s singles 2019 BWF World
Championships. P V Sindhu has indeed become the first Indian to reach this
height of success. Apart from Sindhu’s admirers, looking at her great achievement
are the millions of Indian girls who are now inspired to take up their own
journey. Young sportswomen look up to her and taking her example, they now want
to work harder. It isn’t only about the winning; the disappointment, struggle,
determination and hard work are also part of the journey and that’s exactly
what Sindhu proved in her years of playing the game. She had been struggling to
win the finals since the last two years and this year she finally reached her
goal.
Young Goan girls are now
looking forward to developing skills and dedicating their time towards their
sport of choice. One among them is Samairah Bandhare. Only 11 years old,
delicate Samairah is the smartest and strongest squash player in her age group.
She is known as Goa’s No1 Squash player in the Under 13 category. Samairah is
highly inspired by P V Sindhu and excitedly expresses her proud moment. “I felt very proud that she won gold at the Badminton World Federation
(BWF) championship. I watched the match and she won both games with a big
margin,” says Samairah.
Samairah has been watching several matches played by Sindhu and over the
course of time, she has already learnt that working hard is the key to reaching
one’s goals. “My coach, Rehman, told me about how much practice and fitness
efforts P V Sindhu has put in the past years. She wakes up very early and is
totally dedicated to her game. I also find her very calm in all matches and
this is something that I have been trying lately,” she shares.
Likewise, Sanjana Prabhugaokar, Goa’s young swimmer, has represented
India at the International Biathle in Florida, USA. Each sportsperson has a
different way of viewing and describing Sindhu; Sanjana shares her thoughts: “She is a
role model for every sportsperson in India. Her aggression on court is
admirable and is something to learn from. Though I don’t play badminton, her
success is very motivational to enhance my competitive approach towards my
sport of choice, swimming.”
Goan national level cricket player
and a Physical Education teacher Gauresh Khandeparkar is stunned and
appreciates Sindhu inspiring girls around the nation. He says, “There’s a lot
talent among girls; Let them do wat they need that and they will shine.” As for
P V Sindhu, he describes her as the woman with great confidence.
“I find her truly inspiring, much more than some of the male sports players out
there,” he adds.
All it takes to make such champions is belief in one’s
abilities, motivation, and support.
