PV Sindhu's bronze will inspire others to play without fear, says Ashwini Ponnappa

Former shuttlers as well as P.V. Sindhu's contemporaries have praised the 18-year-old for becoming the first Indian women's singles player to win a medal at the World Championships in Guangzhou, China.

The Hyderabadi lost her semifinal match against Thailand's Ratchanok Intanon Saturday but had sealed a bronze Friday.

This is only the third instance that an Indian will bring home a medal from the Worlds. Prakash Padukone won the men's singles bronze in 1983 at Copenhagen while Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa won another bronze in women's doubles in the 2011 edition in London.

"I think Sindhu's performance has been really good. She is the first Indian to have won a bronze in women's singles. This will definitely give all the other Indian players a lot of confidence to go out and play the top international players without any fear," Ashwini said.

Ashwini's former partner Jwala tweeted -- "Ayyoooo hard luck Sindhu...no matter what u still the rock star...congratulations fr the bronze..."

Men's singles World No.46 H.S. Prannoy, who trains with Sindhu at the Gopichand Badminton Academy, said: "The hard work is giving good results which is great for Indian badminton. The results are showing from the last couple of years but we were lacking behind in major tournaments. This medal is a huge step forward and all credit goes to Sindhu."

Speaking about Saturday's match, the Youth Olympics silver medallist added: "Ratchanok has a deceptive game and today she did not give Sindhu any chance to attack. The match proved difficult for Sindhu who I think was a little bit slow."

Doubles shuttler K.T. Rupesh Kumar said that this performance will boost the confidence of the upcoming shuttlers.

"Sindhu has been outstanding. This will boost the confidence of all the youngsters in the country and of course will do a great deal for the development of badminton in India," Rupesh said.

Former national champion U. Vimal Kumar said that Ratchanok proved too good for Sindhu.

"You have to give it to the Thai player who was fantastic. Her deceptive strokes and smashes did not allow Sindhu to make a comeback into the match," said the Olympian.