Hampered by a leg injury, Sandhyarani Devi still fought doggedly but went down to the defending champion from Iran, Khadijeh Azadpour, and had to be content with silver in the 60kg class on the sixth day of competition on Wednesday.
On a day when desperation loomed large, after the shooters failed to rise to the occasion, Sandhyarani's medal was the only silver lining and came at the little-known Nansha Gymnasium.
Sandhyarani, who picked up the injury during her semifinal victory against Paloy Barckkham, lost 0-2 but not before a gritty display. This was India's second medal in wushu after Bimoljit Singh clinched bronze on Tuesday.
In visible pain, Sandhyarani said after the contest, "My leg stiff. I tried my best to bring her down but failed. Had the injury not occurred, I was dreaming of gold," said the 27-year-old from Manipur.
This is Sandhyarani's second biggest achievement after the bronze she won at the 2008 Asian Championship in Macau.
Sandhyarani's rival, Azadpour, too came into the match with her leg heavily strapped, but she showed her intent from the start and was the unanimous winner in both the rounds.
On one occasion, Azadpour threw Sandhyarani outside the area and once the Indian got hold of her rival's leg, but she wriggled out with ease.
{{/usCountry}}On one occasion, Azadpour threw Sandhyarani outside the area and once the Indian got hold of her rival's leg, but she wriggled out with ease.
{{/usCountry}}On her medal, Sandhyarani said, "It's a happy experience. The sport has provided the country with its second medal and I am happy about it."
Incidentally, Bimoljit too was beaten by an Iranian, Mohammed Seifi, in the semis.
Meanwhile, shuttler Saina Nehwal overcame a fighting Lydia Cheah of Malaysia 21-15, 21-17 to advance to the women's singles quarterfinals, while Arvind Bhat entered the pre-quarter finals in the men's section without even breaking a sweat as he got a first-round walkover from Niluka Karunaratne.