President Droupadi Murmu Plays Badminton with Saina Nehwal at Rashtrapati Bhavan

On Wednesday, President Droupadi Murmu played badminton with Saina Nehwal, a famous badminton player and Commonwealth Games gold medallist, at the Badminton Court in Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Earlier that day, President Murmu unveiled the Durand Cup, the President’s Cup, and the Shimla Trophy at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The 133rd edition of the Durand Cup football tournament will start on July 27 and end on August 31.

The President of India’s official social media shared pictures of President Murmu playing badminton. As part of the ‘Her Story – My Story’ lecture series, Saina Nehwal will speak at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre on Thursday.

The President’s social media handle stated, “President Droupadi Murmu’s natural love for sports and games was seen when she played badminton with the much-celebrated player Ms. Saina Nehwal at the Badminton Court in Rashtrapati Bhavan. The President’s inspiring step is in keeping with India’s emergence as a badminton powerhouse, with women players making a great impact on the world stage.”

Saina Nehwal, from Haryana, gained attention after winning the BWF World Junior Championships in 2008. She made her first Olympic appearance the same year and became the first Indian woman to reach the Olympic quarter-finals. In 2009, she became the first Indian to win a BWF Super Series event. She has received the Arjuna Award, Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, Padma Shri, and Padma Bhushan. Saina has inspired many young athletes in India.