Smashing! PV Sindhu

Badminton sensation P V Sindhu talks about her Rio journey, winning secrets and more…

- Aishwarya P. Vaidya

Hyderabad gal Pusarla Venkata Sindhu scripted history by becoming the first Indian badminton player to win the Silver in Rio Olympics. Years of sheer hard work and rigorous training took her where she is today.

The 21-year-old star shuttler, who is ruling the roost, aims to bag the gold in Tokyo 2020. Taking time out from her hectic schedule, after her recent win at the Premier Badminton League, Sindhu speaks to us about her love for the game, her winning mantras and her life philosophies…

Excerpts from the interview...

What got you interested in badminton?

I started playing badminton at the age of eight-and-a-half. Initially, I did it for fun, then I started playing regularly. I used to play in front of my house with my friends. Slowly, I got interested in the game and started enjoying it. Nobody thought I would become number 1 today – it was like let’s see how far she goes and how she plays.

Tell us something about your initial training, practice and struggle.

I first trained under coach Mehboob Ali for one-and a-half year. Then, I joined Pullela Gopichand’s Badminton Academy. Under Gopi Sir, there are many other coaches. My house was very far from the academy. I used to go at 5.30 in the morning for my training sessions, come back home, go to school, and again go for training in the evenings. It was almost like 27 kms of travelling every day. It was tough initially, but later when I shifted my house near the academy, it became easier.

Did the training interfere with your education? How did you balance the both?

Both are equally important and I am happy I have balanced the two. I am currently doing my second year MBA at St Ann’s College. My college has been supportive through out.

How was it coming from a sports’ family since your parents were also volleyball players?