Categories: Badminton

Rio 2016: Historic ‘Thursday’ For India: Sakshi Malik Ends Medal Drought With Bronze, Sindhu Storms Into Final

For India, the Thursday brought an end to nearly two weeks of frustration, disappointment and hurt at the ongoing Rio De Janeiro Olympics. In less than 24 hours, India has been assured of an Olympic medal twice.

Earlier in the day, Sakshi Malik ended India’s long wait for a medal by clinching bronze in the Women’s Freestyle 58kg category. The 23-year old from Rohtak turnaround the 5-0 deficit with spirited comeback victory of 8-5 over Aisuluu Tynybekova of Kyrgyzstan.

With this win, Sakshi scripted history as she became the first Indian woman wrestler to bag a medal at Olympics and also became the fourth female athlete from the country to climb the podium at the international sporting event.

While countrymen were rejoicing over her big win at Rio; another news coming from the Badminton court added cherry to the cake.

P.V. Sindhu, at 21:21 IST, stormed into women’s singles final of badminton after beating Japan’s Ozomi Nokuhara. She has become the first Indian to enter achieve this feat.

The 21-year-old Indian shuttler outclassed her opponent in two consecutive sets with 21-19 21-10 spanning 51 minutes in the semi-finals on Thursday.

Now, PV Sindhu will face World No.1 Carolina Marin of Spain for the gold medal today at 19:30. India is assured of a medal now, as her win would guarantee a gold while in case of loss she will still have silver. The whole country, as expected, has erupted in joy and celebrations after this double delight on Thursday at Olympics.

From politicians to celebrities to sportsman, everyone has congratulated Sindhu and Malik for their exceptional feet at Olympics and hailed the woman power.