Kolkata: P V Sindhu opened herself regarding Indian male members attending the Rio 2016 and Shobhaa De despite of restriction on these questions. The first Olympic Silver Medalist shuttler Sindhu frankly discussed her thoughts on other Medalist Sakshi Malik, her coach Gopichand and the issue of searching of her cast on website.
The Olympic Medalist received grand welcome at Gachibowli stadium. After the felicitation programme she along with her coach Gopichand met the press. After the conclusion of the press meet they sang the national anthem. Xtratime.in was privileged to interview her. Following are the excerpts:
How are you feeling after this grand felicitation of today
I am very happy how my country and my state gave me honour. My parents told me how people waited from the dawn at the airport and beside the roads. I am feeling the heat of the crowd every moment. It’s such a grand honour that sometimes I am feeling that I have not won the Silver but the Gold.
The whole credit for my raise to this day goes to my parents who sacrificed a lot for me. Every parent does such for their children. But my parents’ sacrifice is best for me. May be somehow I could give feed back to them.
Reaction on the final match against Carolina Marin
In that match I played with my whole heart. On that day Carolina played badminton better than me. Prior to the match I said to myself that if I could give my full effort no one can stop me. But Carolina is better than me. She deserved the Gold.
Isn’t it too modest quote for Carolina
Before the match I did not consider Carolina as the world no.1. For that reason I could win over her in the first set. But as I said previously, it was her day. In the second set I did some unforced errors. Carolina grabbed those opportunities.
How did Sakshi inspired you
Sakshi had her match prior to my semi-final match on the same day. I feel badminton is easier than wrestling. For wrestling one has to be much stronger physically and mentally. When Sakshi won the Medal I told myself if she can do why I cannot. She inspired me a lot.
Among your Silver and Bronze of Saina which one you think was more tougher
I won’t go into controversial matters. There cannot be any comparison among Medals. Every Medal honours country. Saina is my idol. I got the inspiration of winning Olympic Medal seeing her win. So my Medal and Saina’s one have similar importance with same height.
‘Sindhustan’ or ‘Hindustan’, which one you prefer the most
Of course, Hindustan is better. We all represent the country. The country found me eligible for the Olympics, so they sent me. Nobody is bigger than the country.
Reaction about search of your cast in web
It feels very bad. This is our country where Medal winner Sakshi comes from such a state where women are treated as slaves. The abortion rate is highest. The proof of large number of girl smuggling is also there. Sometimes housewives are sexually exploited by male members of the house also.
Sakshi Malik came and won the Medal form that state only because of her parents who supported her to play a game like wrestling. The success of our winning the Medals lies with the eradication of mal-practices from our country.
Future plan of badminton
I will take rest for next few days. I will spend time with my family. Then I will fix my strategy for the nest matches with coach Gopichand. My next target is the 2018 Commonwealth Games and 2020 Tokyo. Medal from these two games is my target.
Impression on coach Gopichand
Any appraisal on him will fall short. I want to have him as my coach in future too. He had sacrificed a lot for me. He stayed apart from his family.
Both I and Gopi sir are fond of ice cream and chocolates. Sir sacrificed these two things for eight months for me. Today we will celebrate by having ice cream and chocolates in our lunch.
He used to watch videos of my opponent players keeping wake for whole nights. He used to download those videos for me to watch them.
Reaction on wishes from celebrities
I am very lucky. The person I have seen playing cricket since my childhood, is presenting me a car, is a great honour for me. I also thank all the celebrities who stood beside me.
Reaction on Shobhaa De
Seniors have said everything in this regard. Still I must say thank you to her as she told about us. May God bless her.