P.V. Sindhu and Saina Nehwal remained the most prominent and celebrated figures in Indian badminton during 2018

The Badminton World Federation recently overhauled its tournament ranking system, shifting the focus so that rankings and titles are now tied to the prize money won by athletes. P.V. Sindhu adapted to this new structure effortlessly, showcasing her brilliance and reinforcing her position as a force to be reckoned with. Her achievements on the international circuit have not only rewritten history but have also significantly boosted India's sporting reputation. Throughout the year, her dominance was evident as she walked away with at least a silver medal from every competition. She capped off this incredible run by winning the Badminton World Tour Finals, cementing her legacy as a true champion.

In 2018, the Indian badminton scene was largely dominated by P.V. Sindhu and Saina Nehwal, with very few other players reaching their level of fame. Under the guidance of Pullela Gopichand, these two athletes have consistently excelled in global tournaments, bringing immense pride to the nation through their achievements.

Unfortunately, there is a noticeable gap when it comes to the next generation; few young Indian players are currently able to compete or survive at the highest international levels. To be fair, while Sindhu and Saina lead the way, Lakshya Sen is the only other player who has truly started to gain momentum. With his impressive style of play and recent performances, he is giving badminton fans in India a new reason to be hopeful for the future.

Regarding P.V. Sindhu, those who once criticized her are now singing her praises. After securing five consecutive silver medals, some skeptics suggested she might be destined to always finish second, despite her obvious talent and hard work.

Sindhu silenced those critics in the best way possible by winning the Badminton World Tour Finals. Until her victory, no other Indian player had ever claimed the World Tour championship title. This historic milestone is why the national media is currently hailing her as a sporting icon.

Similarly, Saina Nehwal has shown incredible resilience. Despite facing various setbacks and challenges, her determination and grit have allowed her to reclaim her spot among the world's best. Her gold medal at the Commonwealth Games is a testament to her hard work, and her bronze medal performance at the Asian Games further proves that she is still a top-tier competitor.