One of the best moments of my career, says PV Sindhu

After earning a sensational victory over China’s Wang Yihan in the women’s singles quarter-finals, Indian badminton ace PV Sindhu said that she is not thinking of a medal now and that her focus is on the next match.

The Indian shuttler is now just one win away from assuring India an elusive medal at the Rio Olympics.

Sindhu will face World no six Nozomi Okuhara of Japan in the last-four stage.

India, who have sent their largest-ever contingent of 119 athletes in Rio Olympics, are yet to open their medal account in the ongoing Summer Games.

When Dipa Karmarkar finished fourth in vault in the individual apparatus final of gymnastics, there was big appreciation and gratitude for that diminutive Tripura girl for standing among the world’s best.

Sindhu caused a big upset, stunning World No.2 Yihan in straight games to enter the semi-finals at the Rio Olympics. She is playing well.

Before this match Sindhu and Wang had played each other six times, with the Chinese emerging victor four times, though the Indian had beaten her 21-18, 21-19 in their last meeting, at the Denmark Open past year.

The ninth seed-Indian was focused, and determined on the court.

In a highly contesting match, Sindhu excelled by her stamina, confidence, determination and fine technique.

With the memorable win, P V Sindhu became the second Indian badminton player to reach an Olympic semifinal after Saina Nehwal achieved the feat four years ago. The Indian shuttler subsequently held her nerves to thwart the opposition and claw back to secure the first game. “Hopefully there will be many more”, Sindhu told NDTV. The Chinese player rallied back to surge ahead 12-9 but the unruffled Indian again caught up to level at 14-14. “2 straight sets! Come on Sindhu!” said Tapsee Pannu.

In fact Sindhu’s superb show against Wang in 54 minutes overshadowed wrestler Narsingh Yadav’s Olympic participation, which was put in doubt after the clean chit given to him by the National Anti-Doping Agency in the dope scandal back home was challenged by world body WADA in the Court of Appeal for Sports.

The Indian took the lead for the first time at 15-14 but lost next three points to trail 15-17. After that the score was going equal and it was not easy to get a point for either of us. In the opening game which lasted 29 minutes, Wang raced to a 3-0 lead after dictating the pace of the rallies before Sindhu grabbed a couple of points. She utilised her height and power and midway through the second game opened up a 15-7 lead. She was not even moving much but her reach had carried her all through the court, and Yihan finally gave up and dumped it into the net. 5-5. Both the players fought well.

Having found new energy ensured by the first set victory, Sindhu started dominating the proceedings in the second set. It’s one of the best moments. “It’s going to be a tough match and he (Srikanth) will give his best”. The score was tied 13-13 when Sindhu broke loose. “She played really well and was all fired up”.