President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday played badminton with ace shuttler Saina Nehwal at the Badminton Court in Rashtrapati Bhavan on Wednesday.
The official social media handle of the President of India shared a glimpse of President Murmu playing badminton.
“President Droupadi Murmu’s natural love for sports and games was evident when she played badminton with the celebrated player Ms. Saina Nehwal at the Badminton Court in Rashtrapati Bhavan. The President’s inspiring gesture aligns with India’s emergence as a badminton powerhouse, with women players making a significant impact on the world stage”, the official social media handle of the President said.
“As part of the ‘Her Story – My Story’ lecture series featuring women Padma Awardees, Ms. Saina Nehwal, an iconic Indian sportsperson honored with Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan, will deliver a talk and interact with the audience at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre tomorrow,” the post added.
Hailing from Haryana, the 33-year-old shuttler has had an illustrious career, clinching a gold medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi. She has represented India in the Olympics three times, securing a bronze medal during her second appearance at London 2012.
Her remarkable efforts have been recognized with the Arjuna Award in 2009 and the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award in 2010.
Earlier on Wednesday, President Murmu unveiled the prestigious Durand Cup, the President’s Cup, and the Shimla Trophy at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The 133rd edition of the Durand Cup football tournament, the season opener of Indian football, will kick off on July 27, with the final scheduled for August.