Indian badminton star Kidambi Srikanth on Thursday became world No. 1 in the Badminton World Federation (BWF) rankings.
Srikanth replaced Denmark's Viktor Axelsen. Srikanth reached the pinnacle of rankings with 76,895 points in men's singles category, displacing current world champion Axelsen, who lost at least 1,660 points because he could not defend his Malaysian Open title.
25-year-old Srikanth bagged the mixed team gold in the ongoing Gold Coast Games and is only the second singles player from India after Saina Nehwal to become World no.1 and the first Indian male singles player to achieve this feat.
"This is a huge achievement for Srikanth as well as for Indian badminton," coach Gopichand told media in Australia.
Gopichand continued, "There has been a lot of talk about our women doing well, but now we will have a men's No.1. This will help Srikanth become more relaxed. Whatever happens from here, he will always know that he was ranked as the best in the world - that he has accomplished that goal. It will help him focus more on winning tournaments."
The Indian shuttler won four Super Series titles - Indonesia, Australia, Denmark, and France -- last year, becoming only the fourth in the world to achieve the feat.
The cricketing fraternity from India was ecstatic over the news of Kidam Srikanth becoming the World no.1 and sent their congratulations on Twitter.
Here are some tweets:
Congratulations @srikidambi on becoming World No. 1 in latest BWF rankings, only the second Indian Badminton player to achieve the feat in modern ranking era. Proud moment for Indian sports. pic.twitter.com/E7ZZASW8vz
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) April 12, 2018
Congratulations @srikidambi
— R SRIDHAR (@coach_rsridhar) April 12, 2018
What an achievement #World#1!!! What an inspirational career!! A result of relentless Perseverance, Dedication & Hardwork.
May you be perched on the top for a long time.
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Congratulations @srikidambi for becoming the World No 1.. Thank you for making us proud ????????????????
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) April 12, 2018
Heartiest congratulations @srikidambi on becoming World's No.1 badminton Player. This is a great moment for Indian sports. Really proud of you. pic.twitter.com/Ap7XJw8QAN
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) April 12, 2018
Many congratulations to @srikidambi for becoming the World No. 1 in Badminton. Keep up the excellent work!
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) April 12, 2018
A proud day for the nation! ???????? Congratulations @srikidambi for becoming the World No.1 badminton player!
— cheteshwar pujara (@cheteshwar1) April 12, 2018