India's Saina Nehwal created history by becoming the first Indian to win an Olympic Games bronze medal in badminton, though under fortuitous circumstances, as her world number two Chinese opponent retired from the play-off because of a knee injury.
The 22-year-old Saina was trailing 18-21, 0-1 in the high-voltage bronze medal play-off match when her second seeded opponent Xin Wang retired hurt, giving India an unexpected medal without having to sweat much. Saina also became the second Indian woman to win an Olympic medal, after Karnam Malleswari`s weightlifting bronze in 2000 Sydney Olympics.
The 22-year-old Saina was trailing 18-21, 0-1 in the high-voltage bronze medal play-off match when her second seeded opponent Xin Wang retired hurt, giving India an unexpected medal without having to sweat much. Saina also became the second Indian woman to win an Olympic medal, after Karnam Malleswari`s weightlifting bronze in 2000 Sydney Olympics.