Pusarla Venkata Sindhu, the city girl who created history by becoming the first-ever woman shuttler to win an individual medal in a world championship (bronze), is delighted to back home with the ‘priceless possession’ and is looking forward to dig into the famous Hyderabadi biryani .
“Yes, we have that on the dinner menu tonight as Sindhu was longing for it and wanted it on arrival immediately,” her mother Vijaya revealed. “Not many expected me to win a medal when we left for the world championship because of the draw. But I am pleased with the way things have gone by. The two big wins against defending champion Yihan Wang and Asian Games gold medallist Shixian Wang are truly memorable for me,” Sindhu said on her arrival at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport here late on Monday night.
“I am disappointed at losing the semi-final but certainly not dejected. I would love to look at the big thing – the bronze medal. Yes, it could have been better if I had made it to the final,” Sindhu said. “I don’t think there was any pressure on me in the semi-final. I just lost to a better player that day,” the 18-year-old said.
Quiet arrival
It was a quiet arrival given the inclement weather and also because it was late in the night. Sindhu trooped out of the airport with her mentor and chief national coach Pullela Gopi Chand.
A group of enthusiastic trainees from the Gopi Chand Academy and Gopi’s mother Subbaravamma were there to welcome the champion player.
