Entire nation praying for Sindhu's success: Sonia Gandhi

Wishing her good luck, she said Sindhu along with her parents, her coach Gopichand as indeed the entire nation would pray for her success.

"Whatever the outcome of the match today, Sindhu has made India proud," Gandhi added. The shuttler from Hyderabad will strive her very best to become the first-ever woman Olympic champion from India across all sporting disciplines when she takes on world no 1 Carolina Marin in the gold medal contest in women's singles.

Yesterday, Sindhu defeated third-seeded Nozomi Okuhara of Japan, the current All England champion, 21-19 21-10 in 49 minutes with superb attacking play to also make sure that she is the youngest Olympic medal winner from the country.

The lanky Sindhu, ranked 10th in the world, ensured at least a silver medal to add to the country's near-empty kitty after Sakshi Malik had captured the bronze in 58 kg women's wrestling.

Sindhu is a two-time bronze medallist in World Championships.