It was harder to win medal in Tokyo

Having the entire nation’s eyes on her is nothing new for P.V. Sindhu. She was 21 when she won her first Olympic medal—a silver at Rio 2016. In the next five years, she added more medals to her collection, including the World Championships gold and an Olympic bronze. If anything, the latest medal needed more work, sweat and strength. Work on the court aside, she had to navigate several controversies, including a spat between her father P.V. Ramana and national coach Pullela Gopichand, and questions about her changing her coach. But Sindhu kept her head down and focused on her game.

- NEERU BHATIA

Now, she is one of India’s greatest athletes, having won individual medals at two successful Olympics— the first woman and second overall to do so.

Speaking to THE WEEK after her medal win, Sindhu talked about the work she put in for a podium finish in Tokyo, how she dealt with controversies and how she struck a fine working relationship with her Korean coach, Park Tae-Sang. While Sindhu wanted to change the colour of her Olympic medal, Park wanted to taste success as a coach. Excerpts from an interview:

Q You were just 21 when you won silver in Rio. Is this bronze sweeter?

A I would say both are different. The silver in Rio was fantastic; it changed my life. This is special [because it needed] more work, more sweat and sacrifices [by] family members, trainers, sponsors, everyone. Getting a medal at the Olympics is always a dream come true, [and this is] definitely one of my proudest moments.

Q Has it sunk in yet?

A No. I’m just enjoying the moment, cherishing it.

Q Can you talk about the ups and downs you faced in the past five years?