P V Sindhu – the crown princess of Indian Badminton - Part 2

File Photo: P.V. Sindhu (Getty Images)

Sindhu took time from her busy schedule, preparing for the Sudirman Cup and other events lined up for her this May. In an engaging conversation she spoke with us about her aspirations and reflected on her young and promising career. You can read part one of the interview here.

You’re done with your first Golden Grand Prix. At 17, it is a fantastic achievement. What are your immediate plans?

Every year we have many tournaments. I have just played three tournaments and now we have the Sudirman Cup in 2 weeks’ time. And then we have Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore. The coaches decide which tournaments to play. Endurance and strength are also very important, so we need to manage the schedule to ensure we can play at our best at each event.

What would keep you happy at the end of the year?

I am currently world No. 13 and will bag a few points for winning in Malaysia. My goal is to make the top 10 by the end of the year. For each tournament, I would like to reach the semi-finals or at least the quarters. I would like to play consistently well through the rest of the year.

Do you have a favourite tournament?

I do not have any particular tournament. If I win, it is my favourite tournament. (chuckles)

You took out two Chinese players in a row at the Yonex Sunrise India Open 2013, how did you feel going into the semis?

These two I have played last year, qualifying rounds and I lost easily. My second round opponent (Yu Sun) – I played her twice earlier; this was my third match against her. First time I lost, second time I won. Beating both the Chinese was good, especially after losing the first game. Even my first round opponent (Yao Xue), she’s a very good player. The last time we played, she took me out 9 or 10, now I could beat her. I’ve improved and I hope to improve more and more.

Going into the semis, you must have felt confident of winning. Were you lacking energy?

She played really well (3^rd seeded Ratchanok Intanon) and my strokes were constantly going out or sitting up in the middle. She finished the points quickly and I didn’t really get a chance. (Sindhu lost the semis 12-21, 6-21)

Again, you’ve done very well in India. Does it feel different playing at home and how different is it from playing overseas?

In India, the crowd support is really good. But outside India too, we have plenty of support. In Indonesia, they were supporting me. It depends, Indians support a lot and even outsiders support the Indian players.

Tell us a little bit about your management company, Universal Collectibilia?

I signed with them recently, I’m very thankful and I hope that the relationship brings more success.

You’re associated with the Olympic Gold Quest. How does the relationship work? What does the program bring to you?

The OGC picks up promising players aspiring for an Olympic medal. They encourage the player by providing financial support for travel and tournaments. They also help by providing professionals such as Physios, Doctors and Psychologists etc. Their support gives us the freedom to choose and play more tournaments if required.

Can you tell us about your practice routine?

Our day at the academy starts at 4.30 in the morning – 04:30 hrs to 06: 0o hrs, then 07:00 hrs to 08:30 hrs. We have a midday session from 11:30 hrs to 12:30 hrs and one in the evening between 16:00 hrs and 17:30 hrs. We do multiple forms of training – playing opponents, on court drills, weights, endurance and running.

Can you tell us about the physical training part?

Sometimes we do weights; we do agility, shadows, running and core ab-works to strengthen the abdomen. It is important to have strength and endurance. Stamina is very crucial in badminton as there are too many rallies and long matches.

Anything over an hour is a long match, how do you recover?

Our training at the academy is pretty good. Some of the players, when they play a long match, they just drop dead. We have enough strength and stamina to play long matches. Besides, each time we play a tournament, sir asks us how we played and why we lost. Honestly, when we play other country players, we’re the stronger ones. Some players get too tired – I still remember in Lucknow when I played against the Indonesian girl (Lindaweni Fanetri) – I lost against her and she was totally dead. I had enough stamina, that wasn’t a problem.

After a match, any set routine to cool off?

We do stretching, parts become stiff and our legs don’t move and they start paining. We get cramps, so we need to do proper stretching and relax ourselves. Sometimes our physio gives us a massage; it depends on the state of the body really.

What do you think of line call review coming up?

Yeah, it is a good option. Recently, Saina lost because of an umpiring decision. Bad luck for her. It is useful.

Have you seen it work?

No, I haven’t, only while watching tennis on television. I think it helps and could be beneficial. Every call matters and in those crucial moments in a match, it gives us an option.

Do you miss being a normal teen?

Not really. I love playing Badminton. It is more fun being on the court that anything else. I also get to travel a lot, which is fun. And then I have so many friends in the game too. But I am just very happy playing Badminton.

You travel a lot. How do you like spending your spare time?

I love talking to my sister. She is in the US doing her medicine. I also love going out to movies with family and friends.

Do you have a favourite city?

Overseas, I like Switzerland. But I love Hyderabad mostly.

Who is your idol?

Gopichand.

Do you have any heroes outside Badminton?

No. But I do like Mahesh Babu and Prabhas in the movies.

On that sweet personal note, Sindhu, we at Sportskeeda would like to thank you for your time during a very busy week. We wish you the very best on the road ahead.