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Indian badminton ace PV Sindhu's quest for a third straight Olympic medal ended with a straight-game loss to China's world number six, He Bing Jiao, in the women's singles pre-quarterfinals at the Paris Olympics 2024. The 29-year-old from Hyderabad lost 21-19, 21-14 in a 56-minute match. Sindhu, a two-time Olympic medallist, had advanced to the knockout stage after topping her group but couldn't overcome Bing Jiao in their rematch of the Tokyo Olympic bronze medal play-off.

Indian badminton ace PV Sindhu's quest for a third straight Olympic medal ended with a straight-game loss to China's world number six, He Bing Jiao, in the women's singles pre-quarterfinals at the Paris Olympics 2024. Sindhu, who won silver and bronze medals at the Rio and Tokyo Games respectively, was outpaced by Bing Jiao with scores of 21-19, 21-14 in a 56-minute match.

PV Sindhu vs He Bing Jiao's Attacking Masterclass

He Bing Jiao delivered an attacking masterclass with her lethal forehand troubling Sindhu throughout the match. Jiao's hard and accurate smashes allowed her to gather points at will, while Sindhu struggled with short lifts and defensive errors.

PV Sindhu Olympics Pre-quarterfinals: Early Setbacks and Struggles

In the opening game, Bing Jiao quickly took a 5-1 lead as Sindhu faltered in her defense. The Chinese shuttler used flat pushes to keep Sindhu at the back, capitalizing on Sindhu's deep returns going wide and long. Sindhu managed to step up the pace and extend the rallies, but Bing Jiao's consistent pressure and sensational forehand shots kept her ahead.

Badminton Olympics 2024: Critical Moments in the Match

Sindhu managed to draw parity at 12-12 after Bing Jiao made an error, but two soft errors at the net by Sindhu and a deceptive follow-up shot by Bing Jiao moved the score to 17-14. Sindhu fought back to 17-18 before Bing Jiao unleashed a body smash. The game reached 19-19, but Bing Jiao secured the game point with a precise on-the-line return and sealed it with a forehand jump smash.
After the change of sides, Bing Jiao continued her aggressive play, quickly moving to 6-2. Sindhu struggled with her execution, and Bing Jiao maintained her dominance, leading 11-5 at the interval. Despite a brief comeback by Sindhu, Bing Jiao's powerful smashes and alert net play pushed her to an 18-11 lead. Bing Jiao secured seven match points and converted on the second opportunity as Sindhu's return went long, ending the match.

India's Olympic Badminton Legacy

Since badminton made its Olympic debut at the Barcelona Games in 1992, India has won three medals in the sport. PV Sindhu has significantly contributed to this legacy, earning a silver medal at Rio 2016 and a bronze at Tokyo 2020. Additionally, Saina Nehwal's bronze at London 2012 marked another milestone for Indian badminton.
India's Olympic Badminton Legacy
Badminton made its Olympic debut at the Barcelona Games in 1992. Since then, India has won three medals in the sport. PV Sindhu has significantly contributed to this legacy, earning a silver medal at Rio 2016 and a bronze at Tokyo 2020. Additionally, Saina Nehwal's bronze at London 2012 marked another milestone for Indian badminton.

End of PV Sindhu's Olympic Run

Sindhu's loss in the pre-quarterfinals is a poignant moment for Indian sports fans. Despite her past successes and strong efforts in Paris, she couldn't advance further in the tournament.