Just when India’s medal hopes in the Olympics seemed to be all but over, PV Sindhu has brought back life into the country’s staggering campaign at Rio 2016, by beating World No. 2 Wang Yihan and progressing to the last four of the badminton singles event. She has become only the second Indian woman to have reached this stage, after Saina Nehwal in 2012.
Before the start of the Olympics, expectations from the Indian contingent had been so high that at least one medal in badminton was considered to be as good as brought back home already. This belief was mostly due to the exploits of Saina, who has reached the pinnacle of the women’s game in recent years. However, Saina suffered an early exit, losing to unheralded Marjia Ulitina of Ukraine, to send shock waves throughout India.
Her movement during the match had been heavily impeded by a heavy strapping on her knee hastily put in place after the most unfortunately timed injury possible. But the fact remained that the best Indian bet had been knocked out, and the picture in badminton seemed to have become a reflection of the drought in other sports.
However, not since Bhuvan hit a six and Captain Russell failed to pouch a catch within the ropes has there been such a rejuvenation of the national spirit, as it would seem from the exuberant plaudits being heaped on PV Sindhu on social media following this upset on Tuesday night. If Srikant Kidambi can pull off a similar upset against World No. 3 Lin Dan on Wednesday in his quarterfinal, badminton will have provided two lights in the utter darkness that has plagued Indian sports fans so far.
Following events of Tuesday night, no matter which Indian athlete was backed in the lead-up to the Olympics, the entire nation is rallying behind Sindhu. India have never had more than two fourth place finishers at any edition of the Olympics, and in 2016 there have already been three. The tragedy of a 4th fourth placed finish cannot be imagined at this stage.
World No. 2 blown over in two games
The euphoria surrounding Sindhu’s victory over Yihan, placed eight ranks above her, is not only about the result. It was also created by the manner of her victory, and by the way Sindhu carried herself on the court. Sometimes, a winner can be recognised from the way she stands or walks.
Yihan, who has been one of the top players on the women’s circuit for the last eight years and was the silver medalist at London 2012, looked sharp at the outset and took the upper hand in the match at the beginning. Sindhu bounced back, drawing ahead for the first time at 15-14, with a smash to Yihan’s body.
The closing stages of the first game were tense and closely fought – Sindhu saw several match points being fought off by Yihan, one after a 45-shot rally. As she finally managed to clinch it 22-20 in 29 minutes, the crowd went wild and Sindhu looked pumped up.
As the second game started off, Sindhu seemed to increase in stature as the Chinese looked to be tiring out. The Indian raced to a lead at 8-4 and maintained it, but Yihan tried to fight back as a straight-games result loomed. From 18-13, the score was taken to 19-19. However, Sindhu reclaimed her nerves to win the next two points, winning the match 22-20, 21-19.
She then collapsed to the ground, sending the stadium and the few awake in the dead of a Tuesday night in India into raptures.
Why Sindhu’s chances of a medal shine bright
Sindhu’s biggest achievement yet has been winning bronze at the World Championships and Commonwealth Games. Reaching the semi-final of the Olympics can be counted as an achievement on par, if not more. Despite her giant-killing reputation, to beat the World No. 2 to get into the Olympics semi-final might just be the feat closest to her heart yet.
Sindhu will meet Japan’s Nozomi Okuhara in the semi-final on Wednesday night, with the good news being that World No. 4 Ratchanok Intanon of Thailand has been knocked out from the same side of the draw. Okuhara, a much younger opponent than Yihan, is also ranked above Sindhu, but the Indian 21-year-old seems to have found the perfect rythm at just the right time.
While Sindhu’s match got over within two games, Okuhara had to struggle to beat fellow Japanese Akane Yamaguchi in three games. Okuhara, while having climbed up the ranks fast, is still to make a mark in the senior circuit. Her biggest feats have remained beating opponents like Wang Yihan and Wang Shixian, something that Sindhu has done herself too.
All three past meetings between Sindhu and Okuhara have gone in favour of the Japanese, but Sindhu has a habit of bringing out her best game at the crucial stages of big tournaments.
If Sindhu beats Okuhara, something which is distinctly possible, then she will play for the gold medal on Thursday. If she loses, she still gets a chance at the bronze medal, against the other losing semi-finalist. World No. 1 Carolina Marin and World No. 3 Li Xierui will face off in the other semi-final, in what will also be a titanic clash.
Based on current form, Sindhu looks like she could beat anybody. On Tuesday, she seemed to be able to reach anything, and her smashes seemed to have the power to burn anything in the way. The Chinese dragon has been tamed; can Sindhu now tame the Brazilian hoodoo that has made a medal so elusive?
