Glasgow: An ‘upset’ PV Sindhu lamented late Sunday evening here that a historic gold medal at the World Badminton Championships slipped through her hands in the dying moments of the thrilling women’s singles final against Nozomi Okuhara of Japan.
Sindhu and Okuhara fought tooth and nail in the gripping summit clash, described by many as the best women’s singles final in recent times. The Japanese won 21-19, 20-22, 22-20.
“I am upset, really upset. In the third game, it was anybody’s match at 20-all. Everybody aims for gold and I was there very close but that last moment changed everything,” she said referring to a crucial unforced error at 20-20 in the deciding game.
“She (Okuhara) is not an easy player. Every time we have played it is not easy, it is tough, tough rallies. I never took her easy. We never left any shuttle. I was prepared for a long match but I guess it was not my day,” the 22-year old gritty Indian shuttler added.
Sindhu stated that the 109-minute match was both physically and mentally very exhausting.
“It was mentally and physically very tough,” said Sindhu. “Each rally was long and we both were fired up and we both were fighting hard and it was so close, we were going like 14-14, 18-18 and after 20-20 it is anybody’s game. It was a big match, a good match but unfortunately I couldn’t win.”
Sindhu however, was quick to point out that overall the World Championships turned out to be very satisfactory for India.
“We Indians are very proud that we won two medals with Saina (Nehwal) also doing well. I am proud that I could win a silver for the country. It has given me a lot of confidence and I would come back to win more titles in future,” Sindu asserted.
Okuhara had lost to Sindhu in the semifinals of the Olympic Games last year in Rio de Janeiro and the Japanese said she had learnt a lot from that match.
“I learned a lot from that match. Today (Sunday), I changed my strategy and tried to keep her moving more,” Okuhara informed.
“The third game was so close and I was absolutely exhausted. But I decided to try and enjoy it and I could see that she was also very tired and struggling. My attitude got me through,” added Okuhara.
India lauds Sindhu feat
PV Sindhu may have ended up with the silver medal at the Badminton Worlds at Glasgow. However, eminent people from all walks of life congratulated her for her sterling effort in the final.
Amitabh Bachchan: PV Sindhu you made India proud… You are a champion… Spirit, guts, endurance… For me you won… Never gave up.
Virender Sehwag: Pusarala Venkata Sindhu – Remember the name. A role model for a generation at 22 only. India is proud of @PvSindhu. Breathtaking finals. She forced me to stop watching cricket.
Sonu Sood: Sindhu… You are a winner. India salutes you. What a match.
Ravi Shastri: Great show Sindhu. Irrespective of the loss you are a champ. Proud of your show
Randeep Hooda: No losers here. Sindhu a winner and Nozomi Okuhara a champion. This is epitome of sports other than cricket. Thriller.
Sachin Tendulkar: Two of India’s finest in badminton bring home a silver and bronze @World Badminton Championships. Congratulations @PV Sindhu1 and @NSaina
Rohan Bopanna: Great show@PV Sindhu. What a final! Unbelievable. Sad that you had to lose, but great show.
Anil Kapoor: Just as @IamRo45 marks his 12th ODI century, @PVSindhu1 wins silver at #World Badminton Championships. Grt day for Indian sports
Mohammed Kaif: You are an inspiration @PVSindhu1. What an epic display of badminton skills it was. Privileged to watch. Thank You #Sindhu.
Vimal blames scheduling
New Delhi: Lack of adequate time to recover after a late night match affected Saina Nehwal’s performance in the semifinals, her coach Vimal Kumar said Monday. Saina had to settle for a bronze after losing to Japan’s Nozomi Okuhara in the semifinals and Vimal put the blame on the poor scheduling of the matches at Glasgow. “I feel sad for Saina. She didn’t get enough time to recover for the semifinal match. She had a late quarterfinal match and then she had to play in the morning again. I think the overall scheduling was a problem,” Vimal said from Glasgow. “Scheduling shouldn’t be dictated by TV. I will hold the technical official responsible for this.”
Press Trust of India
