PV Sindhu on finding forever with Venkata Datta Sai

When Olympian shuttler PV Sindhu crossed paths with Hyderabad-based techie Venkata Datta Sai, it was game, set and match. The badminton star goes down memory lane with Brides Today, recounting the most special moments of their lavish Udaipur wedding.

How we met

“We had been family friends for a while but never interacted much. It was perhaps a ‘hi’ here and a ‘hello’ there at functions. In 2022, we met briefly on a flight and exchanged numbers. That’s how we started talking. We became fast friends, gradually got closer and then took the next step. Since I’ve always been associated with sports, Datta’s love for sports just worked out well for us!”

The next step

“Even though he doesn’t come from a sporting background—he runs Posidex Technologies in Hyderabad—he was very supportive when I was concentrating on training for the Olympics. I was solely focused on that. Given the way he supported and encouraged me, we decided to take it forward. We broke the news to our parents, after which they met. That’s how it all played out.”

Leading up to the big day

“Datta planned the entire wedding. I have to give it to him. We had considered a few places, but our hearts were set on Raffles Udaipur. He went for the recce since I was busy with tournaments. He took over the planning and it all turned out amazing. The mehndi, haldi and wedding were at Raffles, and the reception was in Hyderabad. It was just family—around 160 people—in Udaipur. We wanted every event, from the mehndi to the varmala, to be special and different, including the dress code and venues. It all took place as planned and couldn’t have been any better.”

Memories that will last a lifetime

“Every single day was special. All this while, sports was one phase of my life, and now marriage begins another such phase of my life. It hasn’t sunk in yet! I loved dressing up for each day, and the festivities proceeded exactly how we wanted. Most importantly, our families were extremely happy. Our cousins flew down from the US, and my sister arrived from Australia. Everybody came together to make each day supremely memorable. There was so much fun and laughter that I find it hard to express how it all made me feel. I can’t believe we are now married!”

My advice

“When you’re ready, just go for it. There shouldn’t be an ounce of doubt or thoughts of ‘should we, or should we not.’ Enjoy each and every moment, and take the plunge when you’re ready for it. That’s how you live in the moment.”