Millions of hands raised in prayer for Sindhu's triumph at Rio

As Indian ace shuttler P.V. Sindhu vows for gold in the Rio Games, millions of hands raised for prayers in India for her triumph against Spain's Carolina Marin.

A group of people in Borivali suburban in Mumbai performed 'yajna' this afternoon for Sindhu's victory. Holding Sindhu's pictures in their hands, the people raised slogans lauding the shuttler from Hyderabad. They also danced to the beats of drum to express their happiness and solidarity with the shuttler.

Phool Singh, who was performing yajna in which a large number of dwellers participated, told ANI, "Our country's daughter P.V. Sindhu, who is just a step behind the gold medal; we performed yajna in this locality of poor people, as we feel 'garibon ki badi dua lagti hai' (poor's prayers are heard). And, I am sure that our country's daughter will bring a gold medal. If she wins gold, there will be a huge celebration in this 'basti' (slum or ghetto)."

"We wish all the athletes and players very best, but gold meal is gold medal, which is different from others... We are sure that Sindhu will definitely bring a gold medal," he added.

The locals also offered prayers for Sindhu in Uttar Pradesh's Agra city, while the people in Bijnor offered 'special Friday prayers' at a mosque for her victory.

Similarly, Haryana wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt's mother Sushila Devi offered prayers at Gauri Shankar temple in Delhi for success of her son and Sindhu.

Sindhu's father P.V. Ramana also offered prayers at Ratnalamma Temple ahead of her final match.

With all eyes set on Sindhu, several prominent personalities, including legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar, expressed confidence of the shuttler returning home with an Olympic gold.

"I am extremely excited for today's match, let us hope we get a good win," he told the media in Mumbai.

World Amateur Boxing Champion Mary Kom also expressed confidence of Sindhu winning the gold medal.

"I pray for her. All set to cheer for her. I am sure that PV Sindhu will satisfy the nation's hunger for a gold medal this time. The entire nation is ready to cheer for her," she said in New Delhi.

Former Indian track and field sprinter Milkha Singh also looked upbeat as he said there is a need to harness young talent.

"I would like to congratulate both Sakshi Malik and P.V. Sindhu, and their parents and coaches. We have talent, need to harness it. In Hockey we are going downhill, we are nowhere in football and athletics," he said in Chandigarh.

Sindhu became the first Indian woman to storm into the badminton final at the Rio Olympic Games in Brazil defeating her Japanese opponent sixth-ranked Nozomi Okuhara 2-0 (21-19, 21-10) on Thursday and assuring the country of at least a Silver medal after Sakshi Malik ended India's medal drought by winning a bronze on day 12 of the games.