Sindhu will satisfy nation's hunger for Gold: Mary Kom

Ahead of PV Sindhu's final clash in women's singles event against world number one Carolina Marin at the Rio Olympics, Olympic medallist MC Mary Kom has exuded confidence that the ace Indian shuttler will satisfy the nation's hunger for a gold medal.

"I have huge expectations from her. I am sure that she will bag the gold medal. The entire nation is praying for her," Mary told ANI.

"I am sure that PV Sindhu will satisfy nation's hunger for a gold medal this time. The entire nation is ready to cheer for her. We all are set to cheer for her," the five-time world champion said while pointing out that the lanky shuttler's performance has drastically improved during the prestigious quadrennial event.

The 21-year-old shuttler from Hyderabad produced a perfect blend of power and precision to register a 21-19, 21-10 victory over reigning All England singles champion Nozomi Okohura of Japan in a thrilling women's singles contest on Thursday.

With the win, she has become the second Indian player in badminton to win an Olympic medal after Saina Nehwal, who had clinched bronze in London four years ago.

Sindhu will take on Spain's Carolina Marin in the final later in the day in her bid to become the first Indian shuttler to win a Gold or Silver medal in the prestigious quadrennial event.

Sindhu also became the fifth Indian woman to clinch a medal in Olympics history after Karnam Malleswari, Mary Kom, Saina Nehwal and Sakshi Malik.