PV Sindhu, one of India’s most successful badminton players, has reflected on her career, setbacks, and her unwavering passion for the sport in an exclusive interview. The 29-year-old, a two-time Olympic medalist and world champion, discussed how she draws inspiration from her past triumphs to navigate through tough times.

Despite struggling to replicate her past successes, including a medal-less run at the Paris Olympics, Sindhu remains determined and motivated. "The wins give me confidence and keep my hunger going," she shared, emphasizing that her past achievements continue to drive her forward.

Sindhu spoke candidly about the challenges athletes face, including injuries and self-doubt. Reflecting on a particularly tough phase in 2015 when she bounced back from an injury to secure a silver at the Rio Olympics, Sindhu said that believing in herself has been crucial. “You have to keep believing in yourself, even when you’re at your lows,” she noted, also highlighting the vital support from her family, particularly her sports-oriented parents.

When asked about her biggest learning, Sindhu said, “Being patient,” adding that sometimes the game teaches athletes to wait for the right moment to make the perfect move. She acknowledged that defeats still sting, but that her passion for badminton fuels her continued pursuit of glory.

Sindhu also opened up about the importance of the coach-athlete relationship. "It’s important for a coach to understand not just what is happening on the court but what’s going on in the athlete’s mind," she stated, emphasizing the trust that must exist between them.

Looking ahead to 2025, Sindhu plans to focus on selective tournaments to avoid injuries and stay at her best. She is also evolving her game to counter improvements in the defense tactics of her competitors, particularly working on her defense and adapting her attacking style.

While focusing on her career, Sindhu is optimistic about the younger generation of Indian badminton players, including Unnati, Malavika, and Tanvi Sharma. She hopes that the gap between her and these upcoming stars will soon close, and she stressed the importance of personalized training and understanding each athlete's unique mindset.

Finally, Sindhu concluded by acknowledging her partnership with sports brand PUMA, stating that both share a commitment to the sport and an unwavering pursuit of excellence.