RIO DE JANEIRO: P V Sindhu’s gallant attempt to win a coveted gold medal for India ended in heart-break when she went down fighting against Spain’s Carolina Marin and settled for a silver in the women’s singles badminton competition of the Rio Olympics.

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 thus became the fourth Indian to win a silver at the Olympics after shooters Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore (2004, Athens) and Vijay Kumar (2012, London) and wrestler Sushil Kumar (2012, London). The two-time World championship bronze medallist also became the fifth woman player from India to win a medal in Olympics and the first to clinch a silver. Weightlifter Karnam Malleshwari (2000, Sydney), boxer MC Mary Kom (2012, London), shuttler Saina Nehwal (2012, London) and wrestler Sakshi Malik (Rio, 2016) are the other women players from India to have won a medal in Olympics “I ended up with silver medal but am really happy,” said Sindhu moments after losing her final clash 21-19 12-21 15-21 against two-time World Championship Marin here. “I’m really proud about it. I’m really happy. I could not win the gold. But I really worked hard. It was anybody’s game. “A day before a girl has got a bronze, it’s me now. We have all played well. There will be ups and downs in sport like in life. Losing one or two points. I would like to congratulate everyone. It’s been a great week for me.” Sindhu also praised Marin on her Olymic gold. “I also congratulate Carolina. It’s been a wonderful week for me. It’s anybody’s aim to win a medal at the Olympics.” Talking about the final match, Sindhu said: “In today’s match both players were attacking and playing aggressive on court. One has to win and one has to lose. It was her day on centre court today.”.—PTI