The gallant attempt by P V Sindhu to win a coveted gold medal for India ended in heart-break when she went down fighting against Spain’s Carolina Marin and settled for a silver in the women’s singles badminton competition of the Rio Olympics here today.
The 21-year-old Indian crumbled under the relentless pressure created by Marin to lose 21-19, 12-21, 15-21 in a pulsating final that lasted for an hour and 23 minutes at the Riocentre here.
Sindhu thus became the fourth Indian to win a silver at the Olympics after shooters Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore (2004, Athens) and Vijay Kumar (2012, London) and wrestler Sushil Kumar (2012, London).
The two-time World championship bronze medallist also became the fifth woman player from India to win a medal in Olympics and the first to clinch a silver.
Weightlifter Karnam Malleshwari (2000, Sydney), boxer MC Mary Kom (2012, London), shuttler Saina Nehwal (2012, London) and wrestler Sakshi Malik (Rio, 2016) are the other women players from India to have won a medal in Olympics.
Her brave effort was instantly recognised by Indians up and down the country. It was surreal that three Indian athletes who flew the flag of Indian sports at the Olympics so brilliantly were all Indians. Sindhu’s historic feat came after gymnast Dipa Karmakar had put the Indian gymnastics at the world map by narrowly missing out on a bronze medal and Sakshi Malik stole a bronze in wrestling.
Social media has been on fire ever since Sindhu’s match against Marin ended with everyone showering praises on the gutsy daughter of India.
Here are some reactions.
She might not have won #Gold but she is our diamond! Thank you, #PVSindhu, for inspiring millions #Ind #Rio2016 pic.twitter.com/ICnkGkor7N
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) August 19, 2016
You fought brilliantly @Pvsindhu1 at #Rio2016. Congrats for winning India's first silver ever in badminton. India is very proud of you.
— Manohar Parrikar (@manoharparrikar) August 19, 2016
A historic moment – #PVSindhu wins India's 1st ever Olympic Silver in Badminton. Applauding her hard work, determination & perseverance!
— Manohar Lal (@mlkhattar) August 19, 2016
Congratulations to @Pvsindhu1 on her incredible achievement. Although she has won a #silver but her performance was golden. #RioOlympics2016
— राजनाथ सिंह (@rajnathsingh) August 19, 2016
#PVSindhu has won Olympic silver lost to marina buy it was played like a champion all kudos to #PVSindhu
— sumaira (@sumairakh) August 19, 2016
It was an honour to take the team to #Rio2016 as Chef de Mission & witness history being made. Hoping 4 more #badminton medals in the future
— Abdul Bari Siddiqui (@abarisiddiqui) August 19, 2016
Saw d finals on tv with my mom and told her I hv a picture with Sindhu . Proud . pic.twitter.com/Ka9JHvnsjT
— Salman Khan (@BeingSalmanKhan) August 19, 2016
Congrats #PullelaGopichand for helping develop some wonderful Indian #badminton talent to take on the world.Hats off & look forward to more!
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) August 19, 2016
Congratulations @Pvsindhu1 -superbly fought and what a moment of grace to walk over to the other side. #Sindhu
— barkha dutt (@BDUTT) August 19, 2016
हमने दुनिया में मुहब्बत का असर ज़िंदा किया है,
हमने दुश्मन को गले मिल-मिलके शर्मिन्दा किया है❤️#SuperSindhu pic.twitter.com/6F2ErhthGh— Dr Kumar Vishvas (@DrKumarVishwas) August 19, 2016
Congratulations to @Pvsindhu1 for stunning performance & bringing glory for #IND #RioOlympics2016 #badminton #Silver pic.twitter.com/6r268xNmNs
— Sanjay Nirupam (@sanjaynirupam) August 19, 2016
What a magnificent match @Pvsindhu1. You are such an inspiration. Congrats.
— Swati Maliwal (@SwatiJaiHind) August 19, 2016
Celebrate @Pvsindhu1 & spare a thought for 2 more stars, @srikidambi who beat world no. 2/defending champ & @NSaina in hosp with knee injury
— Shekhar Gupta (@ShekharGupta) August 19, 2016
T 2353 –#PVSindhu you played your heart out ! All of India is so so proud of you .. Thank for giving us that moment of pride !!!
— Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) August 19, 2016
Colour of the coin doesn't matter. You made a billion people proud @Pvsindhu1
— Raghav Chadha (@raghav_chadha) August 19, 2016
Many congratulations @Pvsindhu1, you have no idea how proud we are of you. Much love and many cheers.
— Ajay Devgn (@ajaydevgn) August 19, 2016