Lack of experience cost Sindhu: Ramana

Reacting to P.V. Sindhu’s semifinal loss at the badminton World Championships, her father P.V. Ramana — who represented the country in volleyball and was conferred the Arjuna Award — said: “Ratchanok Intanon played a brilliant game. She deserved to win. I think lack of experience proved costly for Sindhu who did not play her natural game at all.”

“Being sportspersons ourselves, we (parents) know what it means to be a medal winner in a World championship. We were disappointed at her loss today, but not dejected. Especially if we look at the larger picture of Sindhu coming back home with the bronze medal,” said Ramana.

Sindhu’s mother

Vijaya , also a former volleyball player, said, “somehow, Sindhu was sceptical of her chances against the Thai girl. I think she has to watch a lot of her videos and try to be a better player.

“To beat two big Chinese players on two consecutive days you need to have special talent. And I believe that Sindhu, being a diligent trainee and a willing learner, will go a long way in her career,” said Dronacharya

S.M. Arif , former national coach.

2013 Thailand Open winner K. Srikanth said: “we have been expecting this from one of the three — Saina, Sindhu and Kashyap. And, beating the Chinese in front of their home crowd is no mean achievement.”

Our Mumbai Special Correspondent reports

Madhumita Bist , an eight time National singles winner who was in China as coach of the Indian team, said Ratchanok was very deceptive and kept Sindhu guessing right through the match.

She is also excited at the prospect of a long-awaited clash between Saina Nehwal and Sindhu on the second day (August 15) of the IBL match between Hyderabad Hotshots and Awadhe Warriors.

“They have not met before. So that’s the match to look forward to,’’ she said.