P.V. Sindhu, a true icon in the world of badminton, continues to inspire and overcome every obstacle on her journey. With a career that boasts two Olympic medals, a World Championship gold, and several other prestigious titles, including medals from the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games, she has already achieved what many can only dream of. But even with such an accomplished career, Sindhu's commitment to the sport and her pursuit of more success remains unwavering.
In recent times, however, Sindhu's performances have been under scrutiny, especially following her disappointing run in the Paris Olympics, where she failed to secure a medal. This raised questions about her future in the sport and whether her golden years might be behind her. Despite this, Sindhu remains undeterred, continually finding strength in the experiences and victories that have shaped her career. She emphasizes that her focus is not on the criticisms or doubts that surround her but on the fire inside that keeps her going.
When asked whether she still feels the hunger to succeed, Sindhu answered without hesitation. Her answer was a resounding "yes," and she elaborated on how her past victories continue to fuel her ambitions. "When you see those wins, how happy it makes you and how much confidence it gives you, that itself will take you to another level," she said, reflecting on how each victory adds to her desire to keep pushing forward. The desire to keep achieving more comes from the internal drive and the joy she experiences with every triumph, which keeps her motivated to strive for excellence. Sindhu also reminisced about the clips of her earlier victories, particularly from her younger days, and how they reignited the realization that there is still much more to be done. "You question yourself, and that's when it all starts," she added, underscoring how self-reflection has always been part of her journey, leading her to greater heights.
Sindhu has faced numerous challenges throughout her career, but none more daunting than her battle with injury in 2015. After suffering a significant setback, she was unsure if she could return to her peak level. However, she not only recovered but went on to secure a silver medal at the Rio Olympics. This period of adversity taught her valuable lessons in resilience and the importance of believing in oneself. Despite facing doubts, she learned that true strength comes from staying focused on the bigger picture and trusting in the process.
The road to success, as Sindhu has learned, is not always smooth. There are days of injury, defeat, and frustration, but the ability to bounce back is what truly defines an athlete. Sindhu attributes much of her mental fortitude to the unwavering support of her parents, both former athletes themselves, who have been a constant source of encouragement throughout her journey. They have been instrumental in helping her navigate through the lowest points of her career, reminding her to stay strong and to always believe in herself. "I was doubting myself," she admitted, acknowledging the moments of self-doubt that every athlete goes through. "But people around me were very supportive in terms of they were like it's okay, believe in yourself, you can do it."
While Sindhu has reached great heights in her career, she admitted that the sting of defeat still lingers. "It does hurt at any point of time," she confessed, reflecting on how even with the many achievements under her belt, losing still feels difficult. But for Sindhu, it's not about what she's already achieved; it's about what she still wants to accomplish. "For me, I feel that there is a lot of time left and I can win a lot of tournaments," she said confidently. With a passion for the sport that continues to burn brightly, Sindhu believes she has many more years left to compete at the highest level, provided she stays fit and injury-free.
Sindhu also took the time to discuss the importance of a strong relationship between an athlete and their coach. She emphasized that trust and understanding between the two are crucial, especially during moments when the athlete cannot fully articulate what they are feeling. A coach must be in tune with the athlete’s mental and emotional state to help them through difficult periods. "A coach needs to understand even if I am not able to say what is happening in the court," she explained, acknowledging the vital role that coaches play in an athlete's success. The mutual respect and trust between coach and athlete are fundamental for growth and overcoming challenges.
Looking ahead, Sindhu is strategically planning her approach to the 2025 season. With a packed calendar of tournaments throughout the year, she knows the importance of picking and choosing which ones to compete in, in order to avoid injuries. "If you stay injury-free, that’s when you can give your 100%," she said, stressing the importance of maintaining physical health to perform at her best. Sindhu is acutely aware of the demands of the sport and the toll it can take on the body, and she plans to be more selective in her tournament participation to ensure longevity in her career.
She also mentioned that she is continually evolving as a player, adapting to the changing landscape of the sport. "The game has been changing so much," Sindhu said, acknowledging how other players are becoming stronger in their defense. "You have to work on defense... not everyone gives you a chance to attack," she said, pointing out the importance of versatility in today’s game. As a tall player with a strong reach, Sindhu knows that her opponents will often play defensively, and she has been adjusting her game accordingly to handle these challenges.
Sindhu is also excited about the future of Indian badminton, especially the emerging talent in the younger generation. She highlighted players like Unnati, Malavika, Shreyanshi, and Tanvi Sharma, who are already making their mark in the sport. Sindhu is hopeful that the gap between her and these upcoming players will close soon. She emphasized the need for the right guidance and support for young athletes, cautioning against the misconception that success in badminton can be replicated by simply following the same path as previous champions. "Every athlete has a different mindset, every athlete has a different style of play," she explained, urging parents and coaches to understand the unique needs of each player.
To wrap up, Sindhu reflected on the core values that drive her success. She acknowledged that her commitment to the sport aligns closely with the ethos of her brand partner, PUMA. "What is common between me and PUMA is commitment towards the sport," she said, reaffirming her dedication to her craft and her desire to continue pushing herself for greater achievements in the future. Through hard work, resilience, and a deep passion for badminton, Sindhu is determined to remain at the forefront of the sport, continuing to inspire and strive for excellence.
