PV Sindhu’s Confidence Dented, Not a Medal Favorite at Asian Games, Says Vimal Kumar
PV Sindhu, the celebrated Indian shuttler, is facing a significant confidence crisis after multiple tournament setbacks this season. Former India coach Vimal Kumar believes that Sindhu’s struggles make her an unlikely medal favorite at the upcoming Asian Games.
Season of Setbacks
Sindhu, a double Olympic medalist, has faced considerable challenges since her return from a five-month layoff due to an ankle injury, despite winning gold at the Commonwealth Games last August. Her performances have been marred by repeated early exits, with seven first-round losses in BWF tour events this year.
In an attempt to reverse her fortunes, the 28-year-old sought the guidance of legendary badminton player Prakash Padukone. She recently trained under his mentorship at the Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy (PPBA) in Bengaluru.
Vimal Kumar, the director of PPBA, provided insight into Sindhu’s current state, stating, “She is at the moment low on confidence, and she has some work to do. We shouldn’t expect much from her at the Asian Games.”
Despite a few notable performances, including a semifinal finish at the Canada Open and two quarterfinals at the US Open super 300 and Australian Open super 500, Sindhu has struggled with consistency throughout the season. Her quarterfinal loss at the US Open took a significant emotional toll on her.
Technical Adjustments Needed
Vimal Kumar emphasized the need for Sindhu to make technical adjustments in her game and suggested that it might take her several months to regain her top form. He acknowledged her status as a significant player and stressed the importance of patience.
With the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, scheduled to begin on September 23, Sindhu has withdrawn from the China Open Super 1000 and Hong Kong Open Super 500 to focus on her preparation for the multi-sport event. Her personal coach, Muhammad Hafiz Hashim, accompanied her during her training at PPBA.
Sindhu’s father, PV Ramana, expressed gratitude for the support Sindhu received during her training at PPBA. He highlighted the benefits of learning from different coaches and their unique perspectives.
For Sindhu, currently ranked 14th in the world, this period is pivotal in her career, as the Olympic qualification process for the 2024 Games has already commenced. Sindhu’s coaching journey has seen her work with various mentors, including Korean coach Park Tae-Sang, who played a role in her Tokyo Olympics bronze medal win. However, Sindhu parted ways with Park in February.
