P. V. Sindhu, India’s badminton star, is gearing up for her third Olympic Games in Paris next month, aiming for her third medal. This time, she’s determined to upgrade the color of her medal, having won silver in Rio 2016 and bronze in Tokyo 2020. “You need to be smart and really work hard. I feel like (I’m) getting there. (I am) not overconfident, but definitely wiser and more smarter and hoping to win another medal,” the 28-year-old Sindhu said during a media interaction. Sindhu acknowledges the challenge ahead, stating, “It is not impossible to win my third medal in the Olympics. I have learnt a lot from my mistakes in the recent past. I have to give my 100 per cent.” She recognizes the importance of every match, emphasizing, “Each and every game is crucial and I don’t want to focus only on winning a medal. I will have to play at my best for sure.” Sindhu attributes her growth to the Asian circuit, where she learned to be more patient and adapt to longer matches. “There would be no more short duration matches, no more expectation of easy points and no match being considered over, despite having a big lead, till the match is actually won,” she explained. The Olympics present a unique challenge, with longer preparation time compared to other major events. Sindhu acknowledges her potential for improvement and is focusing on consistency. “I am conscious of the fact that I can do much better. It is not that I am not able to finish off matches. Yes, you lose matches despite what looks like winning leads and sometimes you end up winning despite trailing. So, my focus will be consistency,” she said. Currently training in a pre-Olympics camp in Germany, Sindhu chose to train abroad to minimize distractions and ensure focus. She is adapting to the conditions and facilities, surrounded by a strong team. Reflecting on the lessons from her previous Olympics, Sindhu acknowledges the increased pressure and the need for smarter play. “Obviously, I can’t do what I did in those two editions. I know all eyes will be on me. (I) need to be smarter. I should know that it is not going to be any easy matches for sure.” She emphasizes the importance of experience and her developed patience. “But the big plus is I have the experience on my side and I am really patient enough now for the big challenges.” Sindhu recognizes the evolution of the game, with longer rallies and a focus on strong defense. “The game has changed a lot now. (There are) more rallies now with emphasis on strong defence. Every player is very strong, mentally and physically prepared for those long matches,” she said. Regarding head-to-head records, Sindhu stresses the importance of giving her best against every opponent, regardless of their ranking. “Every day might not be your day. So, I have to give my best against every opponent, and not take it easy. The styles and strategies for each player will be different.” Sindhu is prepared, stating, “Since we have time, we prepare better. I am experienced, mentally and physically stronger now.” Under the guidance of Prakash Padukone, Sindhu is focusing on reducing unforced errors, keeping the shuttle in the court, and playing freely. “He wants to cut down on unforced errors, keep the shuttle in the court and play freely,” Sindhu shared. She emphasizes the need for perfection in all aspects of the game. “We have been working on all the strokes. It is important to be perfect in every aspect of the game. You never know how it is going to be on a given day,” she said.
Sindhu Aims for Third Olympic Medal with Focus on Consistency and Mental Strength
