PV Sindhu : Life has really changed after Rio
Indian badminton ace PV Sindhu, who became the first Indian woman to win a Silver medal at the Olympics, has spoken about how her life has changed after Rio. The 21-year-old also recounted the thrilling final against Carolina Marin and said that she hopes to win the Gold in the Tokyo Games.
“Life has really changed after Rio. It was my dream (to win an Olympic medal) and it has come true. So from now on I think responsibilities are more. It's going to get tougher. I need to stay focused and get back to training,” Sindhu told TOI in an exclusive interview.
PV Sindhu, who was bestowed with the most prestigious sports award in India, expressed her delight at receiving the award on the National Sports Day. She said, “It's been a great day for me - National Sports Day, receiving the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna. I'm really happy about it.”
When Sindhu returned from Rio, she was welcomed with open arms in her
“Yes, it's been hectic but then I'm really enjoying my victory, enjoying celebrating it. After landing in Hyderabad, the state governments of Andhra Pradesh and
When asked whether this is what she started playing badminton for, she laughed and said, “No. When I started, I didn't think I would become a great player. It was my passion, I had interest. My parents supported me. In that
The badminton star also spoke about how the fact that she comes from a family which has a sporting background has helped her pursue her career.
“Yes, it has been very helpful. My parents have been volleyball players and my dad is an Arjuna awardee in volleyball. Whenever and wherever I wanted to go, they always accompanied me. I think they have really worked hard and made huge sacrifices. Anytime I lose matches, they tell me 'it's okay, never mind'. It really helps,” Sindhu explained.
Despite Sindhu's success in Rio, PV Sindhu's coach Pullela Gopichand has insisted that his student is still far from being a finished product. When asked if this irks her, Sindhu replied, “It doesn't irritate me. One tournament win doesn't make you perfect. I have learnt many things, but there's more to learn. Every day is a new start. I know I won an Olympic (medal), but I feel there's more to learn, lot more.”
The 21-year-old also recalled the Olympic final against Carolina Marin. She said, “In the final I was confident and even Gopi sir believed that I could do it. The match started off well. Even though I was
She signed off saying that she will try to go one better at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020. “Yes, definitely, but it's not so easy.
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