Silver in CWG 2022 will go long way in making badminton even more popular: Modi

Even though it was a heartbreak for millions of badminton fans in India after the Asian powerhouse finished second at the ongoing Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, UK, prime minister Narendra Modi said the second best medal won by the shuttlers in the team event will go a long way in making the game even more popular.

"Badminton is among the most admired sports in India. The Silver medal in the CWG will go a long way in making the game even more popular and ensuring more people pursue it in the times to come," he tweeted.

Modi also congratulated every member of the squad, including two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu, saying he was proud of their achievement.

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India lost to Malaysia in the final 1-3, the same margin by which they had beaten them in the final of the 2018 edition to clinch the gold. Sindhu won her singles match in the final but India lost in the men's singles, doubles and mixed doubles matches.

Indian president Droupadi Murmu also congratulated the Indian badminton team over its medal-winning feat saying "the skills, team work and fighting spirit displayed by them are remarkable".

"Congratulations to the members of the Indian badminton team for winning the silver medal in the Mixed Team Event #CommonwealthGames. The skills, team work and fighting spirit displayed by them are remarkable. I convey my appreciation to all the players," the president tweeted.

India now have 13 medals at the Commonwealth Games including five golds, five silvers and three bronzes. Australia top the list with 42 golds, 32 silvers and as many bronzes with a total haul of 106.

[With agency inputs]