Did PV Sindhu's Quest for a Historic Sixth Medal End?
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Synopsis
In a thrilling match, PV Sindhu faced defeat against Indonesia's Putri Kusuma Wardani in the BWF World Championships quarterfinals. As India's hopes for medals hang by a thread, Satwik-Chirag's performance becomes crucial. Discover the highlights and the impact of this match on Sindhu's remarkable career.
Key Takeaways
- PV Sindhu's quarterfinal defeat against Wardani ended her pursuit for a sixth BWF World Championships medal.
- Sindhu showcased her skills by defeating world No. 2 Wang Zhi Yi in the round of 16.
- This match highlights the competitive nature of badminton at the World Championships.
- India's hopes now depend on the men's doubles team of Satwik and Chirag.
- Sindhu's career has seen ups and downs, underscoring her determination and resilience.
Paris, Aug 29 (NationPress) PV Sindhu's quest for a remarkable sixth medal at the BWF World Championships ended in disappointment as she faced a quarterfinal loss to Indonesian 9th seed Putri Kusuma Wardani on Friday.
The Indian star, who had previously shocked world No. 2 Wang Zhi Yi of China in the round of 16, battled hard but ultimately fell to Wardani with scores of 14-21, 21-13, 16-21 in a nail-biting match that lasted over an hour.
Sindhu started the match slowly, with Wardani pulling ahead after a tied score at 6-6 to lead 11-7 at the mid-game break. The Indian struggled to find her rhythm, losing the first game 21-14. However, the second game saw a remarkable turnaround. After taking a 4-3 lead, Sindhu surged ahead, scoring six consecutive points to dominate the game. Although Wardani clawed back a few points, Sindhu maintained control, heading into the break with an 11-6 lead.
In the final game, Wardani managed to stay ahead, but Sindhu kept the score close, remaining within three points. Unfortunately, at 17-16, the Indonesian took charge, scoring four straight points to secure her semifinal place.
The 30-year-old was just one victory away from achieving an unprecedented sixth medal, surpassing two-time Olympic champion Zhang Ning of China, who also holds five medals from the World Championships.
Sindhu made her mark in the World Championships with consecutive bronze medals in 2013 and 2014, followed by silver in 2017 and 2018, and finally clinching gold in 2019. However, she has faced challenges in recent years, struggling for form and enduring a disappointing campaign at the Paris Olympics, as well as failing to progress beyond the second round in her last nine tournaments on the 2025 BWF World Tour.
Earlier in the day, India’s mixed doubles pair, Tanisha Crasto and Dhruv Kapila, also exited in the quarterfinals. With their departure, the men’s doubles team of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty remain India’s last hope for a medal as they prepare to face Malaysia’s Aaron Chia and Woo Yik Soh later today.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the immense pressure and expectations on athletes like PV Sindhu. Despite her recent struggles, her journey remains inspiring. While her defeat is disappointing, it highlights the competitive nature of badminton. Moving forward, the focus should shift to supporting our remaining athletes in their quest for medals.
NationPress
30/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did PV Sindhu lose in the quarterfinals?
PV Sindhu lost to Putri Kusuma Wardani in the quarterfinals due to an inability to maintain momentum after a strong second game, ultimately falling short in the deciding game.
What does this defeat mean for Sindhu's career?
This defeat marks a challenging phase in Sindhu's career, as she was aiming for her sixth World Championships medal but has faced recent struggles in competition.
Who are India's remaining medal hopes?
India's remaining medal hopes lie with the men's doubles pair, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, who are set to compete later in the tournament.
