I see a lot more Olympic medals coming to India: Sindhu

Paes presents the ‘Inspiration Icon’ award to Sindhu.
| Photo Credit: R.V. MOORTHY

Sindhu, the ‘Inspiration Icon’ award winner, was asked by Paes what it will take for India to produce more Olympic medallists.

Sindhu, who won two consecutive medals at the Olympic Games, said, “There is a lot of talent in India. I am sure that there are a lot of youngsters hungry to do well. I can see a lot of potential in my sport of badminton. I see a lot more Olympic medals coming to India. It takes patience, hope and belief.”

Paes posed a challenge when he asked Sindhu which of her two Olympic medals is more special. The 29-year-old Sindhu came up with a fitting reply.

“That’s a tough question. The first medal (silver at 2016 Rio) was definitely the more special medal, because it was my first. The second medal (bronze at 2020 Tokyo) was harder. At Tokyo, I lost in the semifinal and had to play a bronze play-off match. That was much harder

than Rio, when I reached the final and was assured of a medal. At Tokyo, it was bronze or nothing,” Sindhu said.

Paes, himself a bronze medallist at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, nodded in agreement.

Paes joined the gathering in congratulating Sindhu on her recent wedding. “It’s a new phase of my life, and I’m really enjoying it,” Sindhu said.