Saina Nehwal ended her campaign at the ongoing Asian Games with a bronze for India in women’s singles after losing to world No 1 Tai Tzu Ying 21-17, 21-14 in the semi-finals on Monday. But despite the loss, Saina had created history for Indian badminton.
Tzu Ying began well, racing to a 4-1 lead in the opening game. Saina changed her strategy to level the game at 8-8. But constant smashes by the Chinese Taipei shuttler on Saina’s backhand gave her mid-game interval lead by a point.
Tzu Ying then took four straight points to take a good lead and win the game. The loss continues Nehwal’s dismal run against the World No 1 who has beaten Saina 10 straight times now.
What makes Saina’s medal historic is the fact that no female Indian shuttler had won a medal at the Asian Games 2018 prior to this edition. PV Sindhu, who has also made it to the semi-finals, has also assured India of another medal.
Chinese Taipei’s top seed accelerated in the last few minutes to snuff out the Indian’s chances soon after she had taken a slender lead.
India also won a medal at the Asian Games in badminton’s individual event after 36 years. In 1982, it was the legendary Syed Modi won returned with a medal from Asiad. In total, India has won eight medals in badminton in Asian Games 2018 out of which six came in team events.
Do check out : Rohan Bopanna and Divij Sharan win gold for India in men doubles tennis at the Asian Games
For more information visit our site, TechnoSports. And download our app from the Google Play Store for more real-time updates. To download the app, click here.
