President Droupadi Murmu was seen playing badminton with Olympic medalist and the torch bearer of women’s badminton in India, Saina Nehwal. President Murmu faced off Nehwal at the badminton court in Rashtrapati Bhavan on Wednesday, July 10. The act aimed towards India’s potential to be a badminton powerhouse especially while highlighting contribution of female players on the global stage.
A video was shared by Ms Murmu’s office, along with a caption, which read, "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-power house, with women-players making a great impact on the world stage."
Saina, the 2012 London Olympics bronze medalist, posted a picture with Ms Murmu and wrote, “What a memorable day of my life 😍🙏..Thank you so much President Mam for playing badminton with me 🙏 #presidentofindia”.
Notably, Nehwal, a Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan awardee is set to deliver a talk as a part of ‘Her Story-My Story’ lecture series initiative at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre. The series features women Padma awardees from across the nation and intends to inspire others in the country.