She is slowly getting back into the groove
P.V. Sindhu
New Delhi: Shuttler P.V. Sindhu is slowly getting back into the groove. Having returned to action after a three-month injury lay-off in April, Sindhu has put up a consistent show against top-ranked shuttlers — she had come close to winning against China’s Wang Yihan and Li Xuerui — but is yet to pull off a big win.
“The comeback was tough. It took me sometime to get into the competitive mode as I was returning from a long break. Initially, there was a fear factor but I am feeling better now and keen to do well,” Sindhu, who recovered from a foot injury, told this paper on Thursday. With the World Championships just 10 days away, Sindhu said she is “aiming higher” this time around.
“Surely, not a bronze this time,” the 20-year-old said when asked about her expectation at the Worlds, starting in Jakarta on August 10. “I am 100 per cent injury free and more confident now. Recently, I have worked hard on my fitness and on-court movements. I am ready for the challenge.”
In the last two editions, Sindhu had picked up a bronze each— making her the first Indian to bag consecutive medals in the event. Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa had claimed a Worlds bronze in 2011. However, the draw is not too favourable for Sindhu, who is expected to meet Chinese world no. 3 Li in the third round.
The 11th seeded Indian has got a bye in the opening round. “It is a challenging draw. I should meet Li in the third round. I have lost to her twice, including once in the Asian Badminton Championship this April, but that was the first tournament after my comeback. I am prepared to give my best,” said the world no. 13.
Sindhu admitted that she has grown as a player over the years.
“I feel my strokes have become sharper. Also, I am able to handle pressure situation better on the court. Earlier, whenever I committed a mistake I was like ‘what should I do’, but now I know how to correct it.” Meanwhile, national chief coach Pullela Gopichand was hopeful of a good show by his ward at the event.
“She (Sindhu) is just getting back and a couple of wins will give her the much-needed confidence. Injury wise, she has completely recovered and is training hard. We should see her playing some good games in Jakarta.” On the medal expectations, he said, “Hopefully, we will have more medals than last time.”
“We can look up on possible medals in other categories like the men’s singles, women’s and men’s doubles, besides the traditional women’s singles,” the coach added.
( Source : deccan chronicle )
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