SINDHU FIRST INDIAN TO STRIKE GOLD

Pusarla Venkata Sindhu on Sunday became the first Indian to win gold in the badminton World Championships. She defeated familiar rival Nozomi Okuhara of Japan in a lop-sided final at the St Jakobshalle arena in Basel. After waiting in the wilderness for three long years, suffering heart-breaking losses in the finals, Sindhu was finally at her attacking and elegant best. Delighted after winning, Sindhu said, “Last time I lost the finals, before that also I lost finals...and it is very very important to win now. I thank the crowd for supporting me day in and day out.” The victory could not come to her on a better day, as Sunday is also the birthday of her mother. “I dedicate this medal to my mother as it is her birthday. A big thanks to my coaches Gopichand and Kim Ji Hyun.” PHOTO: AFP