Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli are among a billion Indians who are wishing PV Sindhu good luck ahead of the women's singles badminton final in Rio on Friday. Sidhu plays world champion Carolina Marin of Spain. The match is scheduled to start at 6:55 PM IST.
"Happy and excited about today's match, will pray for her success," said Tendulkar. The cricket legend is one of the brand ambassadors of the Indian Olympic contingent.
From the West Indies, India's young Test skipper Kohli has also wished PV Sindhu.
Calling the final against Carolina Marin "epic", Kohli congratulated the 21-year-old Hyderabadi shuttler "for guaranteeing India's first silver medal at the Olympics."
No Indian woman has ever entered the final round of an Olympic event. Saina Nehwal, on whom rested India's badminton hopes in Rio, had won a bronze medal in the London Games four years.
Sindhu will start as the underdog against two-time world champion Marin. The left-handed Spaniard beat defending champion Li Xuerui in straight games in the semis.
Someone who loves to conquer the odds and accept challenges, Kohli has buoyed Sindhu saying: "I hope you bring gold for the country but whatever happens, you are the champion. I send all the power and wishes."