‘Adapting Is Key’: PV Sindhu Opens Up on Evolving Game and Changing Strategies in Women’s Badminton

New Delhi: India’s star badminton player PV Sindhu has opened up about the shifting dynamics in women’s singles and the efforts she is making to adapt her game to stay competitive on the global stage. The two-time Olympic medallist and former world champion acknowledged the challenges posed by the sport’s evolving pace and strategy, stating that it may take time, but she’s committed to transformation.

“The women’s singles competition has completely changed,” Sindhu admitted in a recent interaction. “It was once dominated by fast-paced, attacking play, but now, it’s become far more defensive, with extended rallies and long matches.” At 29, the seasoned shuttler finds herself adjusting to this stamina-driven style, which demands greater patience and endurance.

“We’ve been working on that—holding rallies longer, focusing on court presence and control, and maintaining the shuttle within the lines. The game evolves, and as an athlete, I must evolve with it,” Sindhu said.

Known for her aggressive smashes and quick footwork in her early years, Sindhu is now focusing on building patience and endurance to withstand rallies that stretch to 30 or even 40 strokes. She acknowledged that today’s players have improved significantly in defense, forcing even seasoned attackers to modify their approach.

For the past six months, Sindhu has been training under Indonesian coach Irwansyah Adi Pratama, and the transition has involved subtle but vital tweaks to her game. “I’m working more on physical fitness and endurance because long matches test every part of your body. Irwansyah has brought a fresh perspective, and his training has been instrumental,” she shared.

Sindhu also spoke candidly about the pressure of sustaining excellence, despite having already achieved almost everything in the sport. “Yes, I’ve won every medal that was under my control, but now it’s also about maintaining that standard. People say there’s no pressure anymore, but for me, it’s important to keep performing at the top.”

Reflecting on how her age and physical limits have changed her training routine, she said, “It’s not like it was 10 years ago. Back then, the training was different. Now, I need to listen to my body more, adjust the intensity, and be cautious to avoid injuries. Recovery and smart scheduling are essential.”

She emphasized that today’s athletes cannot afford to burn out by playing five or six tournaments back-to-back. “You need to ensure your body is ready post every event. It’s better to skip one tournament, train harder, and come back stronger rather than risking fitness and form.”

While her current season has seen mixed results—her best being a quarterfinal run at the India Open—Sindhu remains optimistic. “The recent losses have been close, hard-fought battles. A few months ago, I was losing matches too easily. Now, I’m pushing top players and competing well, even if I haven’t crossed the finish line.”

“There’s definite improvement, and that’s the silver lining. I know what areas to focus on, and I’m working on them. It might take time, but I’ll get there,” Sindhu concluded with quiet determination.

As Indian badminton navigates a new competitive landscape, PV Sindhu’s resilience and commitment to adapt reflect not just a player evolving with time, but a champion redefining her legacy.