Badminton champion PV Sindhu has shared a heartfelt tribute to Virat Kohli following their meeting at the RCB Innovation Lab Indian Sports Summit in Bengaluru on Tuesday, 19 May. The two-time Olympic medallist posted a photograph with the former India cricket captain on Instagram, crediting Kohli as a defining example of senior sportsmanship in Indian athletics.

Sindhu's tribute and Kohli's message

In her Instagram post, Sindhu wrote: 'Every time I've needed guidance, you've always been there with the right advice and the right words. There is no better example of what a true senior in Indian sport should be: generous, grounded, inspiring, and always willing to lift others. “Never back down, PV.” Advice taken. Keep being the absolute force of a human being that you are. Indian sport is better because of people like you.'

The post drew wide resonance across social media, reflecting the regard both athletes command beyond their respective sports.

Sindhu's form and off-court rise

The tribute comes at a significant juncture for Sindhu, who has been gradually rebuilding after a challenging injury-hit season. She reached the quarterfinals of the Thailand Open earlier this month before falling to Japan's Akane Yamaguchi. She also contributed to India's Uber Cup campaign despite the team's difficulties.

Off the court, Sindhu recently took on a landmark leadership role as Chair of the BWF Athletes' Commission, granting her voting rights on the Badminton World Federation (BWF) Council — a significant step in her influence over the sport's governance.

Kohli's season and leadership role

Kohli, 37, has continued to be a central figure for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the ongoing IPL 2026 season. The team has already qualified for the playoffs after a strong league stage. Kohli's campaign included a notable unbeaten century against Kolkata Knight Riders at a critical stage of the tournament.

At the RCB Innovation Lab Indian Sports Summit, Kohli was a prominent speaker, engaging with topics spanning athlete performance, recovery, mental conditioning, leadership, and the future of Indian sports — underscoring his growing role as a cross-sport mentor figure.

What this moment signals

The exchange between Sindhu and Kohli is notable not merely as a social media moment, but as a reflection of a maturing ecosystem of cross-sport mentorship in India. Notably, both athletes have navigated sustained pressure at the highest level across very different disciplines, lending credibility to the exchange. As Sindhu eyes a return to peak form and Kohli prepares for the IPL playoffs, their public acknowledgement of each other signals the kind of institutional solidarity that Indian sport has historically lacked.