NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
Atlanta, GA, November 9, 2025: Indian badminton star and double Olympic medalist PV Sindhu got a taste of the NBA atmosphere on Saturday when she attended the Atlanta Hawks–Los Angeles Lakers matchup at State Farm Arena. The Hawks later shared photos on their official social-media pages, confirming her presence at the game alongside team mascot Harry the Hawk and star guard Trae Young.
Sindhu, India’s first woman to win two Olympic medals — a silver at Rio 2016 and a bronze at Tokyo 2020 — appeared to have a VIP experience. Images posted by the Hawks show her smiling courtside, interacting with staff, and posing with Young after the Hawks’ 122–102 victory over the Lakers.
Big W for @pvsindhu1’s first NBA game!” the team wrote in its caption, celebrating both the Olympian’s visit and the Hawks’ 122–102 win over the Los Angeles Lakers at State Farm Arena.
While there is no indication that her visit was tied to any formal partnership, the NBA has, in recent years, stepped up its outreach to Indian audiences through events, exhibitions, and youth programs. Sindhu’s appearance adds to that momentum, bringing together two global sporting worlds with significant fan followings.
Sindhu has been recovering from a recent foot injury and has been spending time in the United States. Her courtside evening at the Hawks game offered a rare crossover moment between badminton and basketball — one that quickly caught attention on both sides of the globe.
Cover photo credit: atlhawks/Instagram.
