While one is the country’s shuttle queen, another is the new star on the horizon. Both are products of Indian coach Pullela Gopichand’s badminton academy and both are obviously Hyderabadi and both are bronze medalists at world stage.
But, that’s where that ends. On Thursday it is time for the big clash everyone has been waiting for as Saina Nehwal of the Hyderabad Hotshots takes on PV Sindhu of Awadhe Warriors in an Indian Badminton league tie everyone has been waiting for.
Saina brought path-breaking success by clinching bronze medal at london Olympics last year, Sindhu made a giant stride by doing the same in the recently concluded World Championships.
Both will relieve the memories of how they used to tame each other during countless number of practice sessions under the watchful eyes of Gopichand. However, both will be carrying a different kind of pressure on their shoulders.
Being the country’s number one and also senior player, Saina would not only like to stamp her authority, but also will be hoping to fend off the weight of expectations that comes when representing hometown. For Sindhu, it will be a battle of nerves. She will also be eyeing to fulfill the requirements a professional icon player.
In other match, world number one and Mumbai Masters’ hero lee Chong Wei would be eager to showcase his class against India’s number one Parupalli Kashyap, who represents Banga Beats.