Double joy: Sindhu and Srikanth ranked No. 2

HYDERABAD: Four Super Series title triumphs catapulted Kidambi Srikanth to world No.2. It's a new high for Indian badminton as two shuttlers are currently ranked No.2 in the world, a feat accomplished for the first time. While PV Sindhu reached there a few weeks back, Srikanth joined her on last Thursday.

Until 2016, the script involved the success stories of Saina Nehwal and Sindhu. Saina's title-winning spree made it look difficult for others to emulate her till Sindhu started winning medals on a bigger stage. Inspired by the girls, the boys took charge in 2017 and collected more than half a dozen titles.

Srikanth may even become No.1 very soon.

The efforts of coach Pullela Gopichand are responsible for the badminton revolution in the country. But the Dronacharya insisted that the success story is a culmination of a lot of things. “It is a culmination of a lot of things. Each and everybody's contribution is very important. Be it the

Sports Authority of India

(

SAI

), government, sponsors, coaches and also senior players like Saina and Kashyap,” Gopichand said.

Saina and Kashyap made others believe that success at highest level could be achieved.

Olympian Aparna Popat said the progress of the Indians has been stunning. “I never thought we could reach here.”