Nonetheless, issues didn’t go as deliberate.The 29-year-old shuttler reached the Spherical of 16 however was defeated by China’s He Bingjiao in straight video games, 21-19, 21-14.
Will Sindhu make a powerful comeback on the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028? She might be 33 when the Video games start.
India’s 2012 London Olympics bronze medalist Saina Nehwal believes Sindhu’s future efficiency will largely rely on her health.
“Sindhu performed effectively. Bingjiao was a bit higher. It’s not simply concerning the want or the desire to play; it’s about how your physique will assist you as you get older. In case your physique helps you, you possibly can play for so long as you need,” Nehwal advised TimesofIndia.com in an unique interview.
Sindhu and Nehwal are the one Indian badminton gamers to have gained Olympic medals (one silver and two bronze).
Lakshya Sen got here near securing a medal in Paris however misplaced a tricky bronze medal match towards Malaysia’s Lee Zii Jia.
“Sindhu and I carried out effectively for a few years and did our greatest to popularise badminton in India. We positively see extra younger boys (like Lakshya Sen) arising and doing effectively. Nonetheless, progress on the ladies’ facet is taking a while, however I consider we are going to see extra gamers rising sooner or later who can obtain success,” Nehwal stated.
FOURTH-PLACE FINISH ‘PAINFUL’
Regardless of India’s six medals in Paris, falling wanting the Tokyo Video games’ tally of seven, many athletes got here agonizingly near successful medals.
Shooter Manu Bhaker completed fourth in 25m Pistol, Arjun Babuta was fourth in 10m Air Rifle, archers Dhiraj and Ankita completed fourth within the blended crew occasion, Anant Jeet and Maheshwari have been fourth within the skeet blended crew occasion, Lakshya Sen misplaced the bronze medal match, and Mirabai Chanu additionally completed fourth in weightlifting.
Nehwal described these fourth-place finishes as ‘painful’ however praised Manu for successful two medals on the Paris Video games.
“Lacking out on a medal is certainly disappointing, however as athletes, it is our job to get again to coaching and sit up for the following Olympics. I do know it’s painful since you put together for 4 years, and typically luck isn’t in your facet. It’s positively powerful, however we have now to work laborious and take a look at once more,” Nehwal stated.
“I met Manu in January this 12 months, and he or she was fairly certain she would win a medal this time. She achieved that, so hats off to her confidence and preparation. I can solely congratulate her on the medals and hope she will add yet one more to her tally in future Olympics,” she stated.
Nehwal additionally supported offering medal-winning athletes with authorities/company jobs for monetary stability and safety.
“Help from corporates by means of job alternatives helps maintain budding expertise of their careers, so that they don’t have to fret about making a dwelling. I’m proud to be employed by BPCL, which has a historical past of nurturing expertise and has inducted over 200 sportspersons throughout varied disciplines,” Nehwal stated.
On BPCL’s assist for sportspersons, an organization spokesperson added, “In step with BPCL’s philosophy of nurturing and inspiring our nation’s sporting expertise, we have now taken on board over 200 sportspersons throughout varied disciplines through the years. Our assist helps construct their confidence and serves as a springboard for his or her aspirations.”
