Set to be conferred with the Arjuna Award, Indian men’s doubles player Chirag Shetty on Friday termed it a “silver lining” amid the Covid-19 pandemic, while his partner Satwiksairaj Rankireddy said the recognition will fuel their Olympic dreams.
For the first time, six people will be conferred with the national award in badminton. Besides Chirag and Satwik, coach Gaurav Khanna, who has been the reason behind the meteoric rise of Indian para-badminton, has been chosen for the Dronacharya Award (regular category).
Also Pradeep Gandhe, Trupti Murgunde and Satyaprakash Tiwari will be given the Dhyan Chand Award.
“I see it as a silver lining in these tough times. It’ll definitely motivate us to win big and work harder to bring back more laurels for the country. Also I think it couldn’t have come at a better time,” Chirag said.
The 23-year-old from Mumbai and Satwik had a successful 2019, when the duo won a maiden Super 500 title at Thailand Open and then reached the finals of the French Open Super 750 event. Their consistent show was rewarded with a world No 10 spot.
The reticent Satwik said it will motivate them to win an Olympic medal next year.
“The feeling is sinking in now. It is a proud moment for me. It is extra special as it is my first award.
“We were losing motivation after everything was shut due to the pandemic, but this award has provided a big motivation to work towards our goal of earning a medal at Olympics,” the 20-year-old said from Amalapuram in Andhra.
