US congratulates Sakshi, Sindhu on their 'brilliant performances' in Rio

The United States on Friday congratulated Indian athletes Sakshi Malik and PV Sindhu for their 'brilliant performances' in the ongoing Rio Olympics.

US Ambassador to India, Richard Verma took to Twitter to extend the wishes saying, "Congratulations India on the brilliant performances of #SakshiMalik and #PVSindhu #Rio2016."

Sakshi Malik, the freestyle wrestler participating in the Olympic Games for the first time, ended India's long Rio Olympics medal wait with a bronze in the Women's Freestyle 58kg category event.

The 23-year-old girl from Mokhra village near Rohtak in Haryana clinched the bronze with a spirited comeback victory over Aisuluu Tynybekova of Kyrgyzstan.

Meanwhile, Sindhu, the 21-year-old ace Indian shuttler, who is also having her first appearance at the prestigious quadrennial event, has assured the nation of a silver medal by winning her semi-final clash in the women's single event yesterday.

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.

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 medal in the Summer Games.

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