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Star Indian shuttlers Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu sailed their way into the semi-finals of the 18th Asian Games in Jakarta and Palembang on Sunday. While Nehwal assured India’s first ever individual medal in badminton at the Asian Games by defeating Thailand’s Ratchanok Itanon in straight sets 21-18, 21-16, Sindhu outclassed Nitchaon Jindapol in a thrilling contest to assure herself of a medal as well.
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In other sports, Fouaad Mirza bagged India’s sixth silver medal in the ongoing competition as he clinched the prize in the individual Equestrian event. Mirza, 26, in the process broke a 36-year old medal drought for India in the event. India had last won a medal in the event at the Asian Games in the year 1982.
Also Read: PM Modi congratulates Indian athletes at Asian Games 2018
The game didn’t begin on a positive note for the Indian who conceded an 8-point lead for herself but Nehwal staged a gradual fightback and eventually things were levelled at 17-17. Her fightback continued as he clinched the next five points to walk away victorious in the first game. The win gave the CWG gold medallist some much-required confidence as she found her rhythm and with more confidence and accuracy in her shots, the Hyderabadi shuttler won the second game as well by a 21-16 margin which guarantees her a medal at the ongoing games. ]
For Sindhu, things looked very easy at the beginning as she won the opening game in a dominating fashion by a 10-point margin. The Olympic and World Championship silver medallist won the first game 21-11 and it looked like a walk in the park for the 23-year old but her Thai opponent had other plans in mind. She came back stronger in the second game and eventually won it 21-17, which set things up for a decider. It was a tough battle between the duo in the third game but Sindhu outplayed her 21-14, thereby winning the match.
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