Olympic champion Carolina Marin’s Rio final against PV Sindhu sent the TRPs skyrocketing in India with a humongous 17 million viewers tuning in to watch the match live on television. The enthralling three-game contest sent badminton soaring up the popularity charts, creating a massive interest in the shuttle sport.
There is every possibility of a repeat of that highly exciting clash in about a month’s time here in India with Marin and Sindhu being on separate teams at the upcoming Premier Badminton League (PBL) Season 2.
While the Spanish superstar will be donning the Hyderabad Hunters colours, the 21-year-old Indian will be representing the Chennai Smashers. More than the fans, even the players themselves are awaiting the encounter with a lot of eagerness.
During a recent interaction with the media through video conference, the two-time world champion Marin expressed her desire to play Sindhu again. The 23-year-old hopes it will be of the same level as the one they played in Brazil.
Also read: PBL-2's new format will test players, thrill fans, say Carolina Marin and PV Sindhu
“I would like to play against Sindhu again,” said Marin. “It's going to be a very exciting match and maybe we can repeat the same match like the Olympic final. For the fans and for the crowd it will be very exciting. I hope it’s going to be a very good match.”
The Spaniard, who is currently ranked World No. 2, is PBL2’s costliest player at a whopping Rs. 61.5 lakh. There had been doubts as to whether she would be able to appear for all matches for her team but now Marin has said that she ‘hopes’ to be there for the entirety of the league.
Sindhu is an attacker, Saina has good skills: Marin
The reigning European champion, already a veteran at 23, has faced both the Indian stars – Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu – seven times each. She was hence asked the difference between the two players. Marin analysed that while Sindhu is endowed with a good attacking game, Nehwal’s overall skills are what stand out.
“Sindhu has a very good attack and Saina has really good skills and very good quality in the shots.”
‘Goal is to do well at the World Superseries Finals’
She has already tasted glory at each of the major trifecta of badminton tournaments which include the World Championships, the Olympics and the All-England Championships. However, the World Superseries Finals is one rare box that is yet to be ticked.
The Spaniard is one of the eight players who have qualified for this prestigious year-ending championship scheduled for next week and doing the best there is her biggest goal. She also added that she would once more like to repeat her success at all the major events next year.
“I would like to do the best in the Super Series Finals in Dubai next week. Next year my goal is to win All England, European Championships and World Championship again.”
‘I have many fans from India’
Marin also spoke about the super stardom and recognition that the Olympic gold medal has brought her. She was showered with congratulatory messages from all over Spain as well as India, the Huelva-born ace revealed.
“Life in Spain after Olympics was very different because everyone can recognise me. It’s a pleasure because everyone wants to watch badminton on TV,” she said.
“I have received many messages from people in Spain and India. I got many fans in the world and particularly from India,” disclosed Marin.
