Indian badminton ace P V Sindhu won against Estonia’s Kristin Kuuba in the women’s singles group stage match at the 2024 Paris Olympics on July 31. This victory allowed Sindhu to advance to the Round of 16, also known as the pre-quarters.
Commanding Performance
Sindhu showcased her dominance with a 21-5, 21-10 victory in her second and last Group M match at the La Chapelle Arena. In the first game, she secured a 21-5 win in just 14 minutes. She continued her commanding performance by winning the second game 21-10 in 19 minutes.
Looking Ahead
In the upcoming Round of 16, Sindhu may face China’s He Bingjiao, whom she defeated to win the bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics. This match is anticipated to be a challenging encounter, with Sindhu aiming to continue her winning streak.
PV Sindhu Starts Olympics with a Bang, Defeats Maldives’ Fathimath
PV Sindhu: The Indian badminton contingent at the Paris Olympics 2024 got off to a flying start as PV Sindhu, the two-time Olympic medalist, cruised into the next round with a dominant victory over Maldives’ Fathimath Abdul Razzaq. The match, a Group M encounter, showcased the Indian ace’s superior skills as she dispatched her opponent in straight games, 21-9, 21-6, in a match that lasted a mere 29 minutes.
The disparity in rankings between the two players was evident from the outset. Sindhu, seeded 10th and currently ranked 13th in the world, was a class apart from her Maldivian adversary, ranked 111th. The first game was a one-sided affair, with Sindhu dictating the pace from the start. Her precise smashes and deft drop shots proved too much for Fathimath to handle as the Indian raced to an 11-4 lead before wrapping up the game in just 13 minutes.
The second game was more of the same. Sindhu, brimming with confidence, surged ahead to a 4-0 lead and never looked back. Despite a brief fightback from Fathimath, Sindhu’s superior skill and experience proved decisive. The Indian shuttler eventually closed out the match with ease, securing a comfortable victory and a place in the next round.
With this win, Sindhu has taken a significant step towards her goal of securing a third consecutive Olympic medal. However, the road ahead is far from easy. Her next challenge will be against Estonia’s Kristin Kuuba, ranked 75th in the world. The match, scheduled for Wednesday, promises to be a sterner test for the Indian star.
Sindhu’s performance on Sunday has undoubtedly lifted the spirits of the Indian contingent. The two-time Olympic medalist has been a beacon of hope for Indian badminton, and her early success in Paris has set a positive tone for the campaign. As she progresses through the tournament, the nation will be eagerly watching her every move, hoping that she can continue her winning streak and bring home another Olympic medal.
The Indian badminton team will be looking to Sindhu to inspire her teammates and carry the momentum forward. With a strong performance in the coming matches, Sindhu can not only secure a medal for herself but also elevate the profile of badminton in India to new heights.
The Rio 2016 silver medalist and Tokyo 2020 bronze winner, Sindhu, will next face Estonia’s Kristin Kuuba (World No. 75) on Wednesday.
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