I believed in myself, did not think of medal: Sindhu

Rio Olympics silver medalist P.V. Sindhu, who returned home Monday to a rousing reception, said she believed in herself and did not think of medals.

The star shuttler who created history by becoming the first Indian woman to claim silver medal at the Olympics, said she gave her best effort and took it match by match.

She believes the hardwork put in during the last two months and many sacrifices she, her parents and her coach Pullela Gopichand made paid off.

"It was my first Olympics. I was very excited. My aim was to play well and give my 100 percent. I never thought of medal. We took it match by match and prepared the strategy," said Sindhu, who settled for silver after she went down fighting in the final against Spain's Carolina Marin.

Asked if she had thought of going this far before Olympics, the 21-year-old said she just believed in herself.

"I just believed in myself. I went and I gave my 100 percent. I did it. When I went to Olympics I did not think I will play finals but then I believed in myself. I feel I have to give full effort in every match and results will come automatically," she added.

Addressing a press conference after victory rally from the airport to Gachibowli Stadium and the civic reception here, Sindhu said she was happy that her dream of winning an Olympic medal came true in her first appearance.

"I feel proud I have done this and got laurels to the country. It's a great feeling. Responsiblities will always be high. Definitely I will keep up and move forward," said the Hyderabadi when asked how she feels after overtaking Saina Nehwal as India's leading woman shuttler.

She, however, praised Saina, saying she won many tournaments and has done a really great job.

When asked how she feels about people seeing her as a new role model and the tagline 'Sindhuism' being used to describe her aggressive game, Sindhu said it was a very different feeling.

"I did not have phone when I was there. Later, I was told about this fever. The feeling is different. Many said I am role model. All I would say is hard work is the key for success."

Sindhu, the two-time bronze medallist at World Championship, plans to bring more laurels to country.

She gave the credit of her success to her parents and coach. "I am really thankful to parents. For me they made many sacrifices. I am here because of them," she said.

About her coach Pullela Gopichand, she said she was lucky to have him as the coach.

"The last two months we really worked very hard and made many sacrifices that paid off. There were changes in the game and that helped me lot," she said when asked about the aggression she showed on the courts.

--IANS

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