Paris: The talented shuttler PV Sindhu of India says she has to be more astute if she is to win her third Olympic gold in Paris. She has experience on her side and is conscious of the pressure. Sindhu, who took home silver in Rio 2016 and bronze in the Tokyo Olympics in 2020, is aiming to make history by becoming the first athlete from India to win three Olympic medals when she competes in the Paris Games from July 26 to August 11.
“I know that in Paris, everyone will be watching me. It won’t be simple at all. It’s very difficult. However, it’s not insurmountable. On my side, I have a wealth of expertise. I have to be more astute. My goal is to be able to alter the medal’s color. The Olympics are not like other events at all. Even if a player is rated lower, I still can’t take her lightly. It’s difficult because we [the best players in the world] are so familiar with one another’s games; this is my third Olympics. There are several strategies and methods that will be used as well. You have to be more intelligent and stronger, both intellectually and physically. During a Sunday discussion between the Sports Authority of India (SAI), the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), and the Badminton Association of India (BAI), Sindhu said, “Nowadays, it’s more of a rally game and everybody’s defence has become very strong and even physically, they have strengthened.”
Sindhu intends to practice in Saarbrucken, Germany’s Hermann-Neuberger Sportschule before traveling to Paris. “I’m there, both mentally and physically. My coach Agus [Dwi Santoso] has been taking care of it; all I have to do is play smarter. I’m honing all of my skills since it’s crucial to be proficient in net play, attack, and defense.
I’m not simply concentrating on a single stroke or approach, however, since you never know what your opponent may devise. Some players are astute enough to adjust and go to a backup strategy. I have to continue to work harder, maintain my injury-free status, and have faith in myself. I’m in excellent form; you simply have to approach each opponent differently because of the differences in their playing styles. Therefore, whether it’s, say, Chen Yu Fei from China or An Seyoung from South Korea, my approach will be different. Additionally, everything depends on the draw,” Sindhu said.
