The 2001 All England champion explained how heartbreaking losses and disappointments are part of a player's journey. "I will only regret this loss if she doesn't get another chance to win this title," he had said.
Sindhu not only reached the final in the subsequent two years but became the first Indian shuttler to be crowned world champion in 2019, hammering the same Japanese opponent in the final.
The 2017 loss is now remembered for Sindhu's fighting spirit, ability to bounce back from disappointments. Contrast this with Tuesday's showdown between the battle-hardened veterans in the second round of the Copenhagen World Championships.
Both Sindhu and Okuhara had been struggling in the build-up and the Indian, who has played a final and two semi-finals this season, was the favourite given her opponent's struggles with injuries. But what unfolded was a contest between one motivated to turn the tide and the other who lacked the stomach for a fight.
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