Guwahati: India’s shuttler Kidambi Srikanth scripted history on Sunday, December 19, as he became the first male player from the nation to win a silver medal in BWF World Championships.
He squared off against Singapore’s Loh Kean Yew, who was also a first-time finalist. Despite leading 9-3, Srikanth lost the first game 15-21 as Loh regained composure and then dominated.
In the second game, the battle was more equal as the players found themselves locked at 18-18. Loh raced to two championships point which Srikanth managed to save.
However, his challenge finally came to an end as Loh bagged the next two points to bag the gold medal. Lakshya Sen, 20 and from India, bagged a bronze medal.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday hailed Kidambi Srikanth’s silver medal win in the World Badminton Championships, saying it will inspire several sportspersons and further interest in badminton.
“Congratulations to @srikidambi for winning a historic Silver Medal. This win will inspire several sportspersons and further interest in badminton,” PM Modi tweeted.
Congratulations to @srikidambi for winning a historic Silver Medal. This win will inspire several sportspersons and further interest in badminton. https://t.co/rxxkBDAwkP
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 20, 2021
The 28-year-old Srikanth bettered the feats of legendary Prakash Padukone (bronze in 1983), B Sai Praneeth (bronze in 2019) and Lakshya Sen (bronze in the latest edition), whom he had beaten in the semifinals on Saturday.
The maiden silver also placed Srikanth alongside P V Sindhu and Saina Nehwal, who had finished runner-up in the past.
