President Droupadi Murmu played badminton with Olympic medalist and a renowned badminton player, Sania Nehwal at Rashtrapati Bhavan, highlighting the importance of sports and physical fitness. The interaction aimed to inspire aspiring athletes in India and promote youth participation in physical activities. The President also unveiled the prestigious Durand Cup, President's Cup, and Shimla Trophy. The 133rd edition of the Durand Cup football tournament, the season opener for Indian Football, is set to commence on July 27 and conclude on August 31.
The event was a motivational gesture for youth to engage in sports and strive for excellence. It also symbolized women's empowerment, encouraging physical fitness and fostering unity and national pride. The interaction at Rashtrapati Bhavan also reinforced the commitment of Indian leadership to promoting sports and physical fitness across the country.
Saina Nehwal hails from Haryana, India. She won the BWF World Junior Championships in 2008 and made her Olympic debut in the same year. She became the first Indian woman to reach the Olympic quarter-finals and won a BWF Super Series event in 2009. Saina was awarded the Arjuna and Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Awards for her remarkable achievements and has transformed badminton in India.
Official social media handle of the President shared that, President Droupadi Murmu played badminton with Ms. Saina Nehwal at Rashtrapati Bhavan's Badminton Court, showcasing her love for sports. The event aligns with India's growing status as a badminton powerhouse, with women players making significant contributions. Saina will further deliver a talk at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre.
