The 21-year-old, for the first time, was photographed in dejection when she lost the final point, but quickly recovered and went up to her opponent, who was in tears after realising her dream to win gold for Spain.

Both women played an incredibly aggressive game, taunting each other with loud celebrations at every point, but still, at the end, they were seen embracing and speaking with each other, and smiling together at the podium.

After all, isn’t that what the Olympic spirit is all about?

 “I ended up with silver medal but am really happy,” said Sindhu moments after losing her final clash 21-19 12-21 15-21.

“I’m really proud about it. I’m really happy. I could not win the gold. But I really worked hard. It was anybody’s game. A day before a girl has got a bronze (Sakshi Malik), it’s me now. We have all played well. There will be ups and downs in sport like in life. Losing one or two points. I would like to congratulate everyone. It’s been a great week for me.”

Talking about the final match, Sindhu said: “In today’s match both players were attacking and playing aggressive on court. One has to win and one has to lose. It was her day on centre court today.”

The 21-year-old from Hyderabad said bright days are ahead for Indian badminton.

“Future is good definitely. There are are many players coming up, and many more will succeed. Badminton is doing really well in India. In mens’s singles Srikanth lost very closely,” she said.

Feature image source: AFP