Her name is Pusarla Venkata Sindhu and today she created history by being the first Indian women athlete to secure a silver medal in Olympics game. The tall, slender and talented badminton player was facing the world's no 1 Carolina Marin from Spain to compete in the finals of Woman's Single's Badminton game. And the world is the witness to the superb game she had put up. We lost the gold and won the silver. But that doesn't matter the whole country which had been glued to their TV set today could see the fighting spirit, determination and dedication she had towards her sport.
We take a bow PV Sindhu and yes what a fight it was a real narrow win for the opponent which kept us on the edge. Here are few important things we can learn from PV Sindhu's final match, lessons only a fighter can teach you through real action:
To have a 'never give up' attitude: The fighter that she has proven to be. When the first game set showed 16-7 with Carolina in the lead, we almost thought we lost the first round to Spain. But there were masterstrokes to come from our girl which just turned the game around and PV Sindhu was playing for the match point and the rest is history how she got a lead with the first game. Yes, we lost the other sets but the fight was tough and each time she did come back strong.
To keep cool and calm when the pressure builds up: If you have noticed every single expression both the girls had you could just say that Carolina exuded confidence with her body moves and expressions, but that is not to say Sindhu wasn't playing the best of her game. The reeling tension on her face didn't deter her from giving her best. With eyebrows twitched and deep concentration that showed up on her face was prove that she would fight till the very end. The second set gave Carolina an 8 point advantage and yes our shuttler lost to the world No1. But she didn't allow that disappointment to mar the enthusiasm. Only a true athlete can display such courage in a pressure situation.
To be quick to adopt: Yes, we did see her slip in the second game, and we can't forget that she was facing the world's best. But she gave a fitting reply to each smash hit that came her way. The beauty of those shots sent back by Sindhu kept Carolina on her toes and yes she knew that the Indian shuttler was no mean feat. We saw her change strategy, measure every shot with depth before sending it back and learn her opponent's strong points to give a fitting reply. With every miss, she came out even more determined and strong. Losing the second game for a 21-12 lead didn't pull her spirits down.
To strategise, strategise, strategise to get it right: Caroline was ahead with 5 points with the third game and Sindhu had a fitting reply with her shots when the tally came down to 10-10. Yes, she came that close and the finals were not a cake walk even for the gold medallist. She made Carolina run across the entire court for her to win the gold. Her constant mental preparations and shots made the match a lively feat. It is hard, when you know you are not in the lead to come back that strong, but she did.
To keep your head high always: With 19-14 during the third set and Carolina in the lead, we knew we missed the gold. But Sindhu kept trying. The strong shots were proving that she was not going to give up soon. But it was just not her day. The young girl kept on fighting till Carolina gained the advantage and smashed for the match point. No, she didn't break down, she displayed her sporting spirits and congratulated her opponent. That is what makes us want to love her and hug her more for those gestures.
Girl, you won millions of hearts today.
