Indianshuttler PV Sindhu said that she had to switch off her emotions to do well inthe bronze-medal match against He Bingjiao on Sunday.
Sindhu won21-13, 21-15 against the left-handed He to clinch the bronze medal, a day afterlosing in straight games to Tai Tzu Ying of Chinese Taipei.
With this,Sindhu has now become the first woman and second Indian after Sushil Kumar towin medals in successive Olympics. It is also India's second medal at the TokyoOlympics.
"Itmakes me feel really happy because I've worked hard for so many years. I had alot of emotions going through me -- should I be happy that I won bronze or sadthat I lost the opportunity to play in the final? But overall, I had to closeoff my emotions for this one match and give it my best, my all.
"I'mreally happy and I think I've done really well. It's a proud moment getting amedal for my country," Sindhu was quoted as saying by BWF after the match.
When askedabout her celebrations on getting the bronze medal, Sindhu quipped, "I'mon cloud nine. I'm going to enjoy this moment. My family has worked hard for meand put in a lot of effort so I'm very thankful. And my sponsors have given metheir best so I'd like to thank them and enjoy the moment."
The26-year-old paid gratitude to the fans for supporting her throughout thetournament. "A lot of Indian fans showed me their love and support and I'mvery thankful to each and every one of them. Definitely lots of love andsupport and kisses."
In thematch, Sindhu was quick into the lead and never let her grip off it. She saidthat the trick was to be calm and patient.
"Itwas a fresh game altogether. We both had losses yesterday and came back. Forus, it was very important in getting a medal for the country and at theOlympics. It's not easy. It's a big thing. There were really long rallies but Ihad to be patient and calm. Even though I was leading, I did not relax."
Sindhuconcluded by saying that she will play in the 2024 Paris Olympics."Definitely yes, Definitely."