Athletes, politician unite to congratulate Sindhu

New Delhi/Vijayawada/Chennai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday congratulated P V Sindhu for winning the Silver medal in Rio Olympics, saying her accomplishment is historic and will be remembered for years.

He praised Sindhu for fighting it well in Badminton final in which she lost to Spain's Carolina Marin. "Congrats for the Silver @Pvsindhu1. Very well fought. Your accomplishment at #Rio2016 is historic & will be remembered for years," the Prime Minister tweeted.

The 21-year-old Indian crumbled under the relentless pressure created by Marin to lose 21-19, 12-21, 15-21 in a pulsating final that lasted for an hour and 23 minutes at the Riocentre here.

Sindhu, the two-time World championship bronze medallist, became the first Indian woman player to clinch a Silver in the Olympics and fifth woman player from India to win a medal in Olympics.

President Pranab Mukherjee joined the nation in congratulating the shuttler. "The people of India rejoice with your family and you on the remarkable achievement. Your grit, mental strength and brilliant display today will inspire confidence amongst all Indian sports persons that they can achieve the pinnacle of any sport at the international level. My best wishes are with you for all future endeavours," the President said in his message to the young shuttler.

Congratulating Sindhu, Congress president Sonia Gandhi said she played like a star and her medal is "the most precious jewel in the Crown of Mother India today". "Sindhu played like a star, unwavering in her pursuit, tireless in her game and kindled a new hope in every young Indian to perform like her, be like her," she said.

"Her silver medal is the most precious jewel in the Crown of Mother India today and sets an example for generations to come," Gandhi said, adding, Sindhu played in true Olympic spirit and made all Indians proud.

The Congress president congratulated Sindhu's family and coach Gopichand, and said her spirited performance will forever remain etched in the minds of more than a billion Indians and inspire many budding players.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Leader of Opposition Y S Jaganmohan Reddy joined the nation in congratulating P V Sindhu. "By fighting relentlessly for the gold with commendable spirit, Sindhu stood as an inspiration for scores of Indian youth. We are proud that she's a Telugu girl," Chandrababu said in a statement.

He also complimented her coach and mentor Pullela Gopichand for propelling her to Olympic glory.

In a separate statement, Jagan said, "Her fighting spirit would inspire the sports fraternity of the country and the Telugu speaking states in particular and would pave way for many achievements in future." He also congratulated the parents of Sindhu and her coach Pullela Gopichand on the occasion.

DMK Treasurer and leader of the opposition in Tamil Nadu Assembly, M K Stalin tweeted, "Congratulations! @Pvsindhu1 You have made us proud!! #Rio2016".

India's biggest sporting legends Sachin Tendulkar, Abhinav Bindra and Vishwanathan Anand hailed PV Sindhu for her valiant performance in the Olympic final.

Abhinav Bindra in his message for Sindhu said that he wasn't as heartbroken after missing out on a medal himself as he is today. India's only individual Olympic gold medallist tweeted: "I think I'm more heartbroken today than I was a week ago! Well played @Pvsindhu1 you are an inspiration to me!"

Tendulkar, who has had inspiring messages for all the Indian athletes wrote: "Well played India's youngest individual @Olympics medal winner @Pvsindhu1. You have won our hearts with the splendid performance."

Chess legend Viswanathan Anand tweeted: "Well done #PVSindhu. its very little that separates a winner & a finalist. Proud of you. Enjoy the silver. well deserved"

India's only tennis medallist Leander Paes said that the Hyderabad girl should be proud of her achievement. "@Pvsindhu1 you should be very proud of yourself, all of India is!! the way you played & fought hard, true warrior!! Congrats."

Multiple World cue-sport champion Pankaj Advani is happy that Sindhu gave Marin a run for her money. "Take a bow PV Sindhu. You gave the World Champ a run for her money. You've won all our hearts??"

India's boxing superstar Vijender Singh wrote: "Apart from the #Silver #PVSindhu, you have won hearts of a billion ppl and developed interest in badminton amongst millions. Mera Naman aapko"

Multiple doubles Grand Slam champion Mahesh Bhupathi said: "You are my Hero @Pvsindhu1 ...amazing fighting qualities...."

India's hockey captain PR Sreejesh termed the silver as something equivalent to gold. "This silver is equal to gold for us ...@Pvsindhu1 you are a real fighter"

Olympian and World Championship medallist Shiva Thapa: "Congratulation @Pvsindhu1 on winning the silver medal in #Rio2016."