Kidambi Srikanth Birthday Special: List of Achievements of The Star Indian Badminton Player as he Turns 25

Kidambi Srikanth, India’s star badminton player, will celebrate his 25^th birthday today. One of the most underrated players in Indian sports, Srikanth has steadily found his way to the top. Srikanth was born on February 7, 1993, in a modest family. Born and brought up in a humble background, the ace badminton player hails from Guntur, Andhra Pradesh. Kidambi Srikanth’s father is a farmer and his mother is a housewife. Not many people know that his elder brother K. Nandgopal is also a badminton player.

The right-hand player made his Professional debut and International debut in the year 2008. Srikanth has been a member of the Indian national team since 2012. The young badminton player broke into Top 10 rankings in the year 2014. Not many badminton players in India in Men’s category has achieved as much as Srikanth has. We, at Latestly, bring to you a list of achievements of this star Indian player has accomplished in his inspiring career.

1. Early Career

Kidambi Srikanth broke into the scene when he first won a Silver medal in Mixed Doubles and a Bronze Medal in Doubles category, in 2011 Commonwealth Youth Games. In the same year, Srikanth was the Winner in Singles and Doubles category at All India Junior International Badminton Championship, too. He has also defeated Junior World Champion Zulfadli Zulkiffli of Malaysia to win Men’s Single Title at Maldives International Challenge in 2012.

2. The Initial Successful Run – First Senior’s Title

In the year 2013, Srikanth beat then reigning champion Parupalli Kashyap at the All India Senior National Championships to win his first ever senior national title. In the same year, Srikanth beat Boonsak Ponsana in straight sets at Thailand Open Grand Prix Gold tournament to win Men’s Singles Title.

3. Major Breakthroughs

His major breakthrough came in the year 2014. Kidambi Srikanth defeated five-time World Champion and two-time Olympics Champion, Lin Dan, in straight sets. He, therefore, became the first Indian to win the Super Series Premier Men’s Title. Not many know that Lin Dan is Srikanth’s idol too.

Kidambi Srikanth tasted double success in the year 2015. He defeated Viktor Axelsen at the Swiss Open Grand Prix Gold Final and became the first Indian male to win a Gold Medal in that tournament. He defeated Axelsen again, later in the year, and won the India Open Super Series Title.

In the next year, Srikanth won twin Gold Medals at 2016 South Asian Games in Men’s Singles and Men’s Team category. He struck Gold again, that year, as he won the Syed Modi International Badminton Championships Grand Prix Gold Title too.

4. The Golden Run

Last year, Kidambi Srikanth created history,  when he beat Japan’s Kazumasa Sakai and became the first-ever Indian to win the Indonesia Super Series. The year 2017 was the best in Srikanth’s career. Later in the year, he went on win the Australian Super Series Title too, as he defeated China’s Chen Long in straight sets. It was a record-making year for him as he became the only Indian to enter three consecutive Super Series Finals. Srikanth also secured victory in Denmark Open and French Open in the same year – eventually becoming the fourth player ever to win four Super Series Title in a year!

5. Hardwork and Perseverance Pay Off!

Kidambi Srikanth reached his career-best ranking of 2, following his good run in 2017. Srikant was awarded Padma Shri award by the government for his immense contribution and achievements in the field of sports – Badminton.

We, at Latestly, wish Kidambi Srikant a very Happy Birthday as he turns 25, today, and hope that he scales newer heights in his sporting career. Stay tuned with us for all the latest updates about Kidambi Srikant.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 07, 2018 02:24 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).