Far away in London, the focus was on three Hyderabadis – shuttlers Saina Nehwal, Parupalli Kashyap and tennis star Sania Mirza as they carried the entire India’s hopes – desperately searching for its second medal (well the only one – a bronze - was again courtesy shooter Gagan Narang from the city) in the ongoing London Olympics. It was the magnificent trio from the city which was the focus of all attention.
Not surprisingly, Saina Nehwal continues to be the best medal hope in badminton from India and she kept her the hopes alive with yet another emphatic win in the quarter-final.
Already, the best-ever showing by an Indian shuttler in any Olympics.
In the space of one hour, it was the turn of another Hyderabadi and Saina’s teammate, Parupalli Kashyap who caught the imagination of everyone with his amazing display in the first game against World No. 1 Lee Chong Wei. Matching the Malaysian stroke for stroke, the 25-year-old Hyderabadi came up with a fighting display which should in all probability see him a completely transformed player - even after losing the quarter-final tonight. It was a different issue that he came up a cropper in the second game after giving a close fight in the first one at 19-21. But, even this was not unexpected for the likes of Lee are known to shut out opponents when things seemingly go wrong early in the game.
Wins hearts
Kashyap may have lost the game but clearly won the hearts of millions of Indians who were glued to the TV sets – in anticipation of a surprise result.
Just as Kashyap was losing his battle, it was Sania Mirza showing her familiar traits of a true champion in mixed doubles. Forced to partner six-time Olympian Leander Paes, this incredible tennis star has again thrown enough hints that when it comes to playing for the country’s pride very few can match her. The way she combined to win the first round has already set the ball of expectation rolling of a tennis medal now!
