'Proud' parents of P.V. Sindhu hopeful for gold

The parents of rising shuttler P.V. Sindhu, who created history by becoming the first Indian woman singles player to ensure a medal at the World Badminton Championships, on Friday said it was a great moment for the country, and added that they are hoping that their daughter would be able to secure the gold medal for India.

"It's a great moment for the country and academy. She should further play well so she can go for gold," Sindhu's father P.V. Ramana told media in Hyderabad.

"She got the result for her hard work. We are very happy for her and pray that she plays well tomorrow as well," added Sindhu's mother P. Vijaya.

Celebrations erupted outside Sindhu's residence in Hyderabad after the shuttler assured herself a medal at the World Badminton Championship, being the first Indian woman to enter the semi-finals of the tournament.

Meanwhile, former badminton player Vimal Kumar said that he was hopeful for a gold from Sindhu.

"It is a great achievement. She is definitely assured of a bronze medal for India. If she can remain focused and not get very elated with this win, if she can remain calm and look at the next match in a positive way, I am very hopeful that she can progress even further," Kumar said in Bangalore.

Kumar said that Sindhu would break into the top 10 of world rankings in badminton after her win, and added that things for the 18-year-old were looking "very rosy at the moment."

Sindhu, who assured herself of a medal, beat China's Wang Shixian 21-18, 21-17 in the quarterfinals.

Earlier in the tournament Sindhu had stunned defending champion Yihan Wang of China in the pre-quarter-finals.

India's Saina Nehwal and Parupalli Kashyap were knocked out in the quarters.

The only other women to have secured a medal at World Championships were Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponappa, who won the Doubles bronze at the 2011 Championships at Wembley.

The last Indian to make the semis of World Badminton Championships was Prakash Padukone in 1983.