After losing in the women's singles final at the Tokyo Olympics, World No. 1 badminton player Tai Tzu Ying of Chinese Taipei said PV Sindhu's words of encouragement after the medal ceremony left her in tears. Competing in her third Olympics, Tai finally stood atop the podium, finishing with a silver medal after going down to Chen Yu Fei of China 18-21, 21-19, 18-21 in Sunday's final.
Sindhu, who won silver at the 2016 Rio Olympics in similar fashion after losing to Spain's Carolina Marin in the gold-medal match, knew exactly how Tai was feeling.
"After the match, I was satisfied with my performance. Later Sindhu ran over and hugged me, held my face, and told me: I know you're uncomfortable and you've been very good, but today isn't your day. Then she held me in her arms and said she knows all about it," Tai Tzu wrote on her Instagram account.
"That sincere encouragement, made me cry. I was really sad because I tried really hard. Thank you again for your support and encouragement. Thank you all for walking with me till now," she added.
On Saturday, Tai beat Sindhu in the semifinals, ending the Indian's hopes of securing the country's first ever gold medal in badminton. Sindhu won the bronze medal match on Sunday against World No. 9 He Bingjiao of China to become the first Indian woman to win two Olympic medals.
The 27-year-old Tai Tzu thanked everyone who has supported her.
"The third time I stepped on the stage of this dream, I finally made it to the finals, but I couldn't stand on the highest podium. There is always a little regret, but imperfection always exist, only to be motivated to pursue better results.
"Maybe I won't have another chance to participate in the Olympics, but I've achieved this goal, just not so perfect.
"I just want to tell myself: Dai Ji-hing, you're great! Thank you to all of you who have supported me, the results are always brutal and only acceptable but I try my best."