Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu paid an emotional tribute to long-time rival Carolina Marín following the Spaniard’s retirement from badminton.
Rio 2016 gold medallist and three-time world champion Carolina Marín announced her retirement on Thursday through a video message on social media.
Marin revealed that a persistent knee injury had forced her to step away from the sport and choose her long-term health over a final appearance on the badminton court.
Reacting to Carolina Marín’s decision to step away from the court, PV Sindhu reflected on their shared journey, shaped by years of competing against each other at the highest level.
“Some rivals become part of your journey forever. Carolina was one of them. We first played each other when we were 15 or 16-year-old girls in the Maldives, and from then on, we went on to share so many battles,” Sindhu wrote on social media.
PV Sindhu also quipped that Carolina Marín could be “a complete pain on court,” acknowledging the Spaniard’s fierce intensity, but stressed that their on-court battles ultimately gave way to deep mutual admiration.
“To be honest, you were also a complete pain on court. The constant shouting, the intensity, the little tricks, they would get to anyone. But your skill, speed and fighting spirit were second to none,” she said.
“People remember the big matches and even the ugly spat we had in that third set over picking the shuttle. I’ll admit I was completely infuriated that day. But a few months later, we sat across from each other over coffee in Madrid, talking and laughing, and in that moment, there was nothing but respect,” she added.
Reacting to Sindhu’s heartfelt tribute, Marin replied on social media, saying, “Thanks, my friend, for your sweet words and message. As you said before, we had so many battles on court but every single one with all the respect. You are more than a rival, you are a friend of mine. I hope to see you soon”
PV Sindhu and Carolina Marín faced off 18 times, with the Spaniard leading the head-to-head 12-6.
Marín also edged the Indian badminton player in major finals, winning two of their three title clashes, including the gold-medal triumph over Sindhu at Rio 2016.
READ MORE: https://www.olympics.com/en/news/pv-sindhu-reaction-tribute-carolina-marin-retirement-badminton
