Indian badminton star PV Sindhu hopes she can inspire a new generation after adding Tokyo Olympic bronze to her 2016 silver medal on Sunday.
The world champion beat China’s He Bingjiao 21-13, 21-15 to add another prize to her collection, five years after winning silver at the Rio Games.
Now she hopes the world’s second-most populous country can use her achievement as a springboard for more badminton success.
“I’m sure a lot of youngsters and others will get motivated to work hard and come up,” she said. “I’m sure we can do this. If I can do it, everybody can do it.”
As it happened: PV Sindhu’s victory against He Bingjiao in the bronze medal match at Tokyo 2020
Sindhu was aiming to become only the second Indian to win an individual Olympic gold medal, but lost to Taiwan’s Tai Tzu-ying in the semi-finals.
She said she was “sad” at not being able to go one better than her 2016 silver.
But she was able to put the disappointment behind her to claim bronze.
“I had to close all my emotions for this one match and just give my all,” she said. “I’m very happy and I think I’ve done really well. Getting a medal for the country is definitely a proud moment for me and also the people out there.”
One of India’s greatest athletes: Reactions to PV Sindhu’s badminton bronze medal at Tokyo 2020
Sindhu followed up her 2016 Olympic silver by winning the world title in 2019.
She said she would “definitely” look to challenge for Olympic gold again at the 2024 Paris Games, and backed herself to continue improving.
“Every time I win, it’s a stepping stone,” said the 26-year-old.
“It builds up my motivation. I can do much better and I can work harder. I think that’s my passion towards the sport – once you achieve something, you want to achieve more and more.”
