New Delhi, March 27 Following the announcement of Spanish badminton legend Carolina Marin's retirement, her long-time rival and two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu shared a touching tribute, reflecting on a journey that transformed from fierce on-court "rivalries" to a lasting bond of mutual respect.
The Rio Olympic gold medallist and three-time world champion Marin announced her retirement from professional badminton on Thursday, saying she is still suffering the aftereffects of the serious injury she sustained at the Paris 2024 World Championships.
Marin's later career would be marked by serious knee injuries, necessitating her withdrawal from defending her Olympic gold and her home World Championships in 2021.
Yet, she made a comeback from those injuries, which saw her reach a fourth World Championships final and an almost-certain Olympic final in 2024. Leading He Bing Jiao comfortably in their semifinal at the Paris 2024 World Championships, Marin collapsed in pain, which proved to be her final goodbye on the biggest stage.
The 2016 Olympic final brought this out in stark terms. The final was a fierce battle against an opponent who, like Sindhu, was also unwilling to back down. The 83-minute contest captivated entire countries, bringing the physical dimensions of badminton to a worldwide audience. In later years, this match would often be recalled with wonder for its sheer intensity.
"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.
"To be honest, you were also a formidable opponent on the 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," Sindhu shared in an Instagram post.
Sindhu also recalled a verbal duel between the two players during the 2023 Denmark Open semifinal, resulting in both receiving a yellow card from the chair umpire.
"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. That's the Carolina I'll always remember," she wrote.
"I'll also always be grateful for the incredible camaraderie our generation built. Our group of girls made women's singles such a special place to compete in, and I honestly don't know if badminton has seen something like it before or will again.
"Thank you for every battle, every lesson, and most of all, the friendship. I wish you the happiest retirement, Carolina. Badminton will miss you. And so will I," Sindhu concluded.