Rio 2016: India hails K Srikanth's fighting spirit after narrow loss against badminton legend Lin Dan

When K Sriknath faced off against Lin Dan, he was facing not only his sporting hero but one of the greatest of all times. After capitulating in the first game 21-16, he came back strongly in the second one to win 21-11. In the third round he tried real hard and was ahead before losing out 21-18. Despite facing an extremely illustrious opponent who has won everything there’s to win in the game, Srikanth hardly ever looked flustered and it’s quite likely that if he was facing anyone else on the circuit, he would have won. Sadly, this was Lin Dan but we can all take hope that K Sriknath is going to go places in the future. Here’s how Twitter reacted to his valiant effort: 

Heartbroken. But very proud of you Kidambi Srikanth. Champion.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) August 17, 2016

This is among the most gallant performances you'd see - Srikanth has earned respect from the greatest of all time pic.twitter.com/wFGHuPyYpU

— Gaurav Kalra (@gauravkalra75) August 17, 2016

Heartbroken. But very proud of you Kidambi Srikanth. Champion.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) August 17, 2016

Hard luck Kidambi. Don't worry, Salman bhai will avenge your defeat in "Tubelight".

— LOLendra Singh (@LOLendraSingh) August 17, 2016

As far as fights go, that was most heroic. Plenty of honour in the way you played, Srikanth Kidambi.

— K Balakumar (@kbalakumar) August 17, 2016

WHATAY GOOD FIGHT KIDAMBI

— Clean and Jerk (@sidin) August 17, 2016

Well done, Kidambi. Bloody well done. Tough luck.

— Sabbah Haji Baji (@imsabbah) August 17, 2016

Srikanth tried. And tried hard.
Good game, and well fought @srikidambi !
Lin Dan is a 2-time #Olympics & 5-time World champ, not for nothing

— ZENIA D'CUNHA (@ZENIADCUNHA) August 17, 2016

Well played Kidambi Srikanth. You are a champion despite the loss.

— Zakka Jacob (@Zakka_Jacob) August 17, 2016

Well played Kidambi! Your idol would be proud! #KidambiSrikanth

— Satish Acharya (@satishacharya) August 17, 2016

Respect respect respect @srikidambi my admiration.

— Abhinav Bindra (@Abhinav_Bindra) August 17, 2016

Salute @srikidambi . You fought. Absolute credit to you for the stunning turnaround

— Digvijay Singh Deo (@DiggySinghDeo) August 17, 2016