I am sure more Indian sportswomen will win medals: P V Sindhu

India's champion shuttler P V Sindhu feels more women will win medals for country in future. Reigning world champion Sindhu recently won BBC Indian Sportswoman of Year 2019. "My mess to all young sportswomen is that as women we have to believe in ourselves. I'm sure soon re will be more Indian sportswomen winning medals for country," 24-year-old said after winning award on International Women's Day. 

"Hard work is key to success."

Olympic silver medallist added: "I would like to dedicate this award to my supporters and fans that have supported me all along. Awards like BBC Indian Sportswoman of year give us motivation and encourment to go much furr." Sindhu has five world championship medals to her name. She is also first Indian singles badminton player to win an Olympic silver medal.  Sindhu entered into top 20 of BWF World rankings in September 2012 at of just 17. She has remained in top 10 throughout last four years.

BBC Director General, Tony Hall hosted awards ceremony.  He said: "Huge congratulations to P V Sindhu for winning BBC Indian Sportswoman of Year 2019. This award has been voted for by fans across globe, and gives us an opportunity to celebrate female athletes from across India.

"It also reflects BBC's commitment to its ever-growing Indian audience. I wish Sindhu best of luck and will be watching more brilliant achievements of hers over next year."

Lifetime Achievement Award went to veteran athlete, P T Usha, for her contribution to Indian sport and for inspiring generations of players.

"We did t have any facilities when I started my career.  I used to train alongside railway tracks and on beaches as re were training s n," said Usha after receiving award.

She added, "Things have changed a lot since n and I am very happy that BBC has taken this initiative, it will motivate new generation to come into sports."

Overcoming great odds, Usha went on to win over 100 international medals and awards throughout her career. She narrowly missed out on an Olympic medal at 1984 Los Angeles Games, finishing fourth in women's 400m hurdles and losing bronze medal by one-hundredth of a second. Union sports minister Kiran Rijiju was guest of hour at event.

"Achievement must be celebrated and awards are a way to recognise this. India has t been able to build a sporting culture. We are going to change that.

"We want to make India a sports powerhouse. We must build sports as a career and make sure our athletes are well taken care of. 

"That is why we have introduced schemes like lifetime pensions for sportspersons who have won medals for India," Rijiju said. 

Im credits: PTI