Bengaluru: Badminton player PV Sindhu during the launch of the Bridgestone Dueler All Terrain A/T002 tyre, in Bengaluru, Sunday, May 5, 2024. (Photo: PTI)
Badminton star PV Sindhu says she is “going all out” in her quest to become the first Indian to win an unprecedented third individual medal at the Paris Olympics, drawing on her successful past.
Sindhu is on the brink of history as she chases the gold medal at the upcoming Games, having won silver and bronze in Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 respectively.
In an exclusive chat on JioCinema’s ‘The Dreamers’, Sindhu spoke about her unwavering focus on making history in Paris. Though it will be an extremely difficult task for the Indian star.
“That third medal in Paris definitely motivates me and I will go all out to get that gold medal. For me, the Olympics is where I give 200 percent,” Sindhu said.
“The trips in 2016 and 2020 were wonderful, full of enormous effort and unforgettable moments.
“As I prepare for Paris 2024, it is a new start and I have to give it 100 percent no matter what.”
Sindhu is one of the best players in the world and draws on her past experiences to fuel her quest for gold.
“I will take a lot of experience from my previous participation in the Olympic Games with me to Paris 2024, but I don’t want to get overconfident when I think about the medals.
“I hope I can live up to the nation’s hopes and win the third medal, because winning three consecutive medals is no joke. My mindset is focused on winning gold and that gives me a lot of motivation and confidence.”
She spoke at length about her preparations for the mega event, which will take place from July 26 to August 11.
“My preparations are focused on working hard, being smart and focusing on that specific day.”
The former world champion understands the fierce competition that awaits her and has respect for the calibre of her opponents.
“The Olympics are extremely competitive and all athletes are at their peak. The top 10-15 players in the world are at the same level, whether it is AN Se Young, Akane Yamaguchi, Carolina Marin or TAI Tzu Ying.
“There are no easy points at the Olympics, and we have to play hard for every point we score against an opponent. Anything can happen at the Olympics; one small mistake can change everything.”
Sindhu also shared her views on working with Indian badminton legend Prakash Padukone, calling it a great privilege to be associated with the 1980 All England champion.
“This time we have a whole new team with Prakash (Padukone) sir as my mentor and Agus (Dwi Santoso) as the new coach. Our practice is focused on getting everything perfect and to the point.
“I am fortunate to have Prakash sir as my mentor and part of my journey. I hope his support can help me win that medal.”
Sindhu is currently ranked 13th in the world and his illustrious career has been crowned with numerous accolades.
She has won five BWF World Championship medals, including a gold, silver and bronze medals at the Olympics, making her the only Indian to achieve this feat.
Her Commonwealth Games achievements include gold in 2022, silver in 2018 and bronze in 2014 in the women’s singles, along with gold in 2018 and silver in 2022 in mixed teams.
She also won silver in the women’s singles event at the 2018 Asian Games and bronze in the women’s team event at the 2014 Asian Games.
(Only the headline and image of this report may have been edited by Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
First print: Jul 19, 2024 | 10:05 AM IST