Mumbai, Aug 16 (IANS): Veteran shuttler Jwala Gutta, cricket legend Anil Kumble, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma on Sunday congratulated Saina Nehwal for becoming the first Indian to bag a silver medal at the badminton World Championships in Jakarta.

World No.2 Saina lost the women's singles final to Spanish top seed and title holder Carolina Marin 16-21, 19-21. This was the world No.1 Spaniard's second consecutive win over Saina in five career meetings.

However, it was the first time that an Indian has pocketed a silver medal at the World Championships.

"Tough luck. First silver ever proud moment for badminton in India!!!" Gutta wrote on Twitter on Sunday.

Former Indian Test cricket captain and iconic leg-spinner Kumble tweeted: "Well played. Really proud of you. Good fight! Bad luck today! Lost to a better player on the day!"

"We are proud of you, as we get our first Silver medallist at the World Championship. So proud of you," Sports Authority of India (SAI) tweeted.

Indian Super League (ISL) team FC Goa tweeted: "You didn't win the Championship, but you've won our hearts! Very well fought."

"Congratulations! Saina Nehwal on winning first ever silver by an Indian player at the World Badminton Championship. She has made India proud,” Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Jaitley tweeted.

Anushka tweeted: "Great game. You fought till the very end. And put up a good fight! Always enjoy watching your game. Great going!!.”