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Have to enjoy and feel this moment first, says 'India's pride' PV Sindhu

‘India’s pride’ says she wants to celebrate her brilliant feat for sometime

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PV Sindhu is all smiles upon arrival in New Delhi on Monday night
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The ever-smiling PV Sindhu was even more ecstatic as she landed in the Capital city on Tuesday. The win over Japan's Nozomi Okuhara to become the first Indian shuttler to win a gold medal at the World Championships on Sunday has changed her life forever.

From being called a choker or a 'silver girl', Sindhu's 24-carat medal is the right answer to all her critics. "A lot of people asked me 'what's happening in finals', 'the final phobia'... Finally, I answered with my racquet," comes the first salvo from the golden girl before rushing to meet India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"I do not have words to express my feelings. It is definitely a great moment for me as well as for the country. I am feeling really happy and when the flag was flying high and the national anthem was being played, it was a very proud moment. I got goose bumps," Sindhu spoke about her feelings after that epic final victory.

The 24-year-old won this coveted medal in her third attempt at the title. It is another matter that this Hyderabadi shuttler had cemented her place in Indian sports by bagging silver at the 2016 Rio Olympics. So, anyone expecting her to repeat her golden success in the 2020 Tokyo Games is certainly not asking for a hill.

"After the Rio silver, expectations were really high. This victory is even more special as I am the first Indian to get gold at World Championships. Tokyo Games are not far but I have to go step-by-step," said the champion who had earlier lost two WC finals in 2017 and 2018.

"I have to enjoy and feel this moment first. I am going to celebrate it for some time now. I want to enjoy this moment," added Sindhu, who lost that 2017 epic final to the same Japanese opponent.

Sindhu also spoke about her coach P Gopichand's hard work and support during her journey. "I have to thank him for all that support and hard work. There have been a few changes in my game. The lady coach from Korea, Kim Ji Hyun, also helped me a lot in recent times. Everybody put in together and worked on a lot of things and we finally did it," said Sindhu.

When asked how soon she expects to be world No. 1 or is that also in her mind right now? "Obviously I have to do well and give my best and that will help me improve my ranking. But, I don't think I need to think too much about ranking. It's like, you play well and win tournaments and No. 1 tag will automatically come," replied Sindhu.

Later the 24-year-old Sindhu, who is now the joint highest medal-winner in women's singles in the World Championships history with former Olympic champion Zhang Ning of China – 1 gold, 2 silver and 2 bronze between 2001 and 2007 – met PM Narendra Modi and Sports minister Kiren Rijiju along with her coach Gopichand.

She was given a cheque of Rs 10 lakh by Rijiju. While Sai Praneeth, who won bronze in the men's event, also received a cheque of Rs 4 lakh. Not to forget, it was India's first men's singles medal at the WC since Prakash Padukone's feat in 1983.

"India's pride, a champion who has brought home gold and lots of glory! Happy to have met Sindhu. Congratulated her and wished her the very best for her future endeavours," PM tweeted after the meeting.

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