The challenges at Paris Olympics will be tough, but I am ready: PV Sindhu

PV Sindhu speaks about her preparation as she aims to achieve a hat-trick of Olympic medals.

PV Sindhu has achieved in her career, what few can dream of. Only the second Indian after wrestler Sushil Kumar to win two individual Olympic medals, the shuttler now aims to go where no Indian man or woman has ever gone — win a third Olympic medal — at the Paris Olympics.

Recently, she has faced quite a few challenges, including injuries and dip in form, but no one knows the art of peaking at the right time more than Sindhu herself and she is ready to go for gold at Paris.

Sindhu has been training with a new coach this year: Indonesian Agus Dwi Santoso. She is currently training at the Hermann-Neuberger Sportschule (LSVS) in Saarbrucken, Germany, with her team.

In a virtual press conference facilitated by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) in collaboration with the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and the Badminton Association of India (BAI), Sindhu spoke her heart out, discussing about her physical and mental preparations, her recent form, her equation with her new coach among other topics.

Here are a few excerpts from the conversation.

Also Read: How are Paris Olympics 2024 bound Indian shuttlers preparing for Summer Games?

Q: You have had a few injuries and challenges recently. How do you reflect on this period, especially this being a shorter Olympic cycle?

PV Sindhu: Injuries are a part of life, and you can do nothing about it. I was injured in 2022 and also had a knee injury in 2023. It was challenging, having to rest and then return onto the court.

But in the meantime, I learnt to be patient and have self-belief. I am thankful to my team for their support. I am (touchwood) alright now, and ready to compete at the Paris Olympics.

Q: While we are optimistic about your chances, how do you realistically see the competition which exists today?

PV Sindhu: The competition is really high. There are many players who are making their Olympic debut, while some others are playing their second Games.

It’s going to be challenging because of three reasons: firstly, because we all know each other’s game, secondly, because the game has changed completely and thirdly because a lot of analysis will be done before the matches. So, one needs to be mentally strong and smarter.

Also read: Most memorable moments in PV Sindhu’s career

Q: How taxing are three setters? What are the learnings you take from these games?

PV Sindhu: I am always prepared for long matches. I need to spend long periods of time on the court. Almost every match I played in the Asian tour went to three games. Many matches lasted more than an hour and I needed to be physically strong.

Obviously, everyone wants to finish in two games, but you need to be ready for longer matches which might result due to the shuttles and court conditions, and I am prepared.

Q: You have recently struggled in finishing off games, including the recent setback at the Malaysia Masters. How are you trying to work on these grounds?

PV Sindhu: When you lose these kinds of matches, you want to learn from your mistakes and look forward to the next match. I was in my best shape that day. I was 11-3 up in the final, and just 11 points away from taking the title. But in spite of trying my best, it didn’t work out for me.

Q: How is your equation with your new coach, heading to the Paris Olympics?

PV Sindhu: I have been playing with Agus since January. It takes time to develop an understanding between an athlete and a coach. Agus has been in India before, working with the men, but I am working with him for the first time. During my injury layoff, we got a lot of time to have discussions off court.

Things are working well now, and hopefully it continues to be the same.

Q: Given your form in recent events and the performance of the likes of Chen Yufei, Akane Yamaguchi, An Se Young, how do you see your chances at Paris?

PV Sindhu: Every player has a different style. I don’t want to compare with others. Looking at my form, I am in great shape. The strategies against different players are going to be different. It will also depend on the draws, and of course who plays well on the given day. So, hoping for the best.

Also Read: PV Sindhu’s projected path to gold medal at Paris Olympics 2024

Q: What was your thought process behind selecting Saarbrucken for training? Who are your sparring partners?

PV Sindhu: I had a discussion with Prakash Sir (Prakash Padukone) about this. Saarbrucken is closer to Paris and has similar climatic conditions. We believed that I can be focused here.

The facilities are good, with everything under one roof. I have taken a few sparring partners, and have a team consisting of my coach, trainer and physio.

Q: What are the changes in the game you were talking about? How do you cope up with that?

PV Sindhu: Now the game has shifted from an attacking style to a style with more rallies. The defense of players has become so strong, that one or two smashes may not finish off a rally. Every woman’s singles player is strong, and no one gives easy points.

Q: You are called a big-tournament player. Do you change your preparations before these major championships?

PV Sindhu: The Olympics is slightly different because you get some extra time to train compared to other events on the Tour. But in terms of preparation, I don’t change anything.

Q: Your net game hasn’t been at its best? How are you working on that?

PV Sindhu: I have been working on all aspects of my game, not on one technique alone. I want to improve my attack, defense, front court game, back court game: everything. Players are smart enough to change immediately today. Hence you need a plan B.

Q: How challenging is it when its 18-18 or 19-19? Does the mindset change?

PV Sindhu: When its 18-all, you want to win every point. There is no particular strategy. You tend to play safe and try to play according to your instinct and the coach’s advice.

Q: Does Prakash Sir have any specific inputs, completely different from what you have been playing earlier?

PV Sindhu: Prakash Sir has been seeing my matches and pointing out my mistakes. He asks me to play safe and keep the shuttle in the court. He observes my matches. He sat behind me during the All England and the French Open, and his inputs have been simple. He has always asked me to give my best.

Q: In some matches, you will enter having an upper hand over your opponent, while in others your opponent might have had an edge over you. How do you change your preparation accordingly, in terms of the mental aspect?

PV Sindhu: I must enter with the same mentality and mindset, whether it’s a lower or higher ranked opponent. It’s the Olympics, and I must give my best in every match. Sometimes I might play well, and it might not be my day. I can’t take it easy in any match.

Q: You went to Rio as a 20-year-old, and now you are 28. Have you made any changes to diet or training accordingly?

PV Sindhu: I have made changes, especially according to my weight. The intake of junk food must be low. I need to be smarter while training, so as to be super-fit while going into the Olympics.

Q: What are the lessons you are carrying forward from the previous two Olympics?

PV Sindhu: Lot of things to carry forward, in terms of game, physical fitness and mental strength. Everyone’s eyes are going to be on me this time. It’s not going to be any easier this time, even in the group stages.

Q: There are some first time Olympians from India, who will have a lot of nerves. Do you want to give them any advice?

PV Sindhu: They must enjoy the occasion. It is easier said than done, but don’t take any pressure. I wish everyone all the best, and hopefully we have quite a few medals coming home.

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