Rio de Janeiro: Pullela Gopichand does not believe that PV Sindhu has overshadowed the achievements of Saina Nehwal, when she won the silver medal in the women's singles here on Friday.

Four years ago in London, Saina created history by winning the bronze medal in women's singles - India's first-ever medal in badminton in the Olympics.

Asked whether he considered Sindhu's medal more important than the one won by Saina, the chief national coach said: "Every medal has its own importance. The one won by Saina in London was big because it was the first badminton medal for India."

On Sindhu's achievements, the coach said she was the reason why the entire badminton squad was so happy now. "She made it possible. I and the fellow coaches are a happy lot now."

Asked what was the secret behind the success, Gopichand attributed it to sheer hard work. "She had worked hard, we worked hard and God had been very kind to us. All put together the success came," said the coach.

Gopichand said he had always believed Sindhu would make it big on the world stage.

"I had always believed in her. She came to me when she was only eight. That was some 12 years ago. After coaching her for some time, I was convinced about her talent.

"I knew big results will come. She did it by winning the bronze medal twice in the World championship. But somehow, the consistency was missing. People started talking about it... They even started comparing her with Saina. But never for a moment had I doubted her ability," said Gopichand.

The coach said that after the first-round exit in the Australian Open in June, a decision was taken to go for a hard training schedule. "I chalked out the plan and to her credit she listened to me 100 per cent. Never did she question my decisions and abided by everything I said. I even kept her cell phone with me, but she never protested. Her dedication is amazing," he said.

The coach said in the run up to the Olympics, he had to look after his own health also. "I knew I had to stay fit... when you come to the Olympics, getting practice partners becomes a problem sometimes. I had to practise with her. I was careful about my own health also," said the former All-England champion.

Gopichand was modest about his own achievements. He has trained two Olympic medallists, after completing a successful playing career. "Those who won should get the credit. They worked hard... as a coach I can only guide them," he said.