P.V. Sindhu A Wonder Women Of Rio 2016

Three new stars, three incredible journeys that give hope that India's Olympics story need not always be as modest as Rio 2016.

- Boria Majumdar

P.V. Sindhu

QUALIFIED BY BEING RANKED IN THE TOP 16

BORN: JULY 5, 1995

TRAINS AT: GOPICHAND BADMINTON ACADEMY, HYDERABAD

STARTED: AGE 8

BEFORE RIO 2016: BRONZE, WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP (2013, 2014)

COMFORT FOODS: CHOCOLATE, MYSORE PAK, HYDERABADI BIRYANI

QUOTE: “I UNDERSTAND THINGS WILL BE DIFFERENT, VERY DIFFERENT, FROM NOW ON”

On August 15, Independence Day, at 2 pm Rio time, every Indian journalist had the same question on their minds and lips: Where is a medal going to come from? Abhinav Bindra, still the only Indian to win gold in an individual event, fell, literally, a fraction short; Sania Mirza and Rohan Bopanna won the first set against Venus Williams and Rajeev Ram in the mixed doubles semifinal only to lose, and then drop the bronze medal playoff to a handy Czech team; the shooters and, as usual, the archers flattered to deceive.

Three young girls, all between the ages of 21 and 23, salvaged India’s 2016 Olympic campaign. Each is partial to a scoop (or two, or three) of ice cream. And after their Olympic displays of grit, courage under pressure and, above all, explosive power, P.V. Sindhu, Sakshi Malik and Dipa Karmakar deserve to eat as much ice cream as they want. For a few days, at any rate, before they resume the spartan regimen necessary to succeed as world class athletes. Karmakar turned 23 at the Olympics. India today was there with cake but still in the throes of competition, she allowed herself only a microscopic piece. It’s a small example of the sacrifice required. Denying yourself cake is an apt image, a metaphor for the eschewing of temporary comforts to achieve glory, both personal and national.