India's ace women's badminton player PV Sindhu commenced her Paris Olympics campaign in an emphatic manner on Sunday, 28 July. Playing her first match of the group-stage women's singles game, Sindhu overwhelmed her opponent in straight games. She needed less than 30 minutes to defeat Maldives' Fathimath Nabaaha, who is ranked just outside the top 100 in the women's singles discipline. Sindhu won the match 21-9, 21-6.
The two-time Olympic medalist began the women's singles campaign in Paris as the 10th seed. Sindhu, who has shown signs of nearing her best form recently, thoroughly dominated Fathimath from the very first point. She managed to push her opponent into the backcourt and then attacked with powerful smashes. Fathimath particularly struggled with her net exchanges, often hitting the net while trying to lift the shuttle from the forecourt. This consistent pressure from Sindhu ensured that she maintained control of the match throughout, never allowing her opponent to settle into a rhythm.
Sindhu lost a total of 15 points during the match, primarily when she experimented with different shots from the back of the court. Her agility and precision were on full display, making it difficult for Fathimath to counterattack. Sindhu's strategic play and sharp reflexes were evident as she seamlessly moved across the court, returning shots with precision and power. She was pleased with her performance and considered Sunday's game as a practice match.
"I was confident and had played against her before, so I knew her playing style. I approached it as a practice match, but I didn't want to take it easy from the beginning. I took the lead and used the opportunity to get used to the court. There were some rallies, but overall, it was a comfortable win for me," Sindhu shared in her courtside interview.
Sindhu has not been in her best form lately. In the run-up to the Paris Olympics, she faced multiple injuries and had to work hard to regain her top form. Sindhu spoke about her recent struggles and credited her team for helping her return to peak fitness levels, both physically and mentally.
"Making a comeback both mentally and physically is pretty hard. It's not easy. I need to stay positive. Physically, I had to prepare myself because I was injured at the start of the year. I started off slowly in February. Mentally, injuries can be challenging. You sometimes don't feel right and aren't sure what's happening. But my support staff and people around me kept me going, supported, and motivated me. I'm thankful to Prakash Padukone and my entire support staff. They've been very helpful. And of course, my parents, who have always been there for me," Sindhu concluded.
Her victory in this opening match will undoubtedly boost her confidence as she progresses through the tournament, aiming for another Olympic medal. Sindhu's performance has been a testament to her resilience and determination, showcasing her ability to overcome challenges and perform at the highest level. Her fans and supporters are eagerly looking forward to her upcoming matches, hopeful that she will continue to display the skill and tenacity that have made her a standout player in the world of badminton.
As the tournament advances, Sindhu's experience and strategic gameplay will be crucial in navigating the tougher matches ahead. Her focus will now shift to maintaining her form and staying injury-free, ensuring that she can compete at her best in every game. The Paris Olympics presents a significant opportunity for Sindhu to add another accolade to her already impressive career, and her strong start has set the stage for what could be a memorable journey in this prestigious event.
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