PV Sindhu has had a tough time in 2023 and has exited seven tournaments in the first round itself this year. After the Commonwealth Games 2022, Sindhu suffered an ankle injury and had a long layoff from the circuit. Since then, despite playing for a fair amount, she had struggled to find form, and lost to opponents ranked lower than her on some occasions.
- Asian Games India Wrestling Schedule: Bajrang Punia to lead team
- Asian Games: Kabaddi begins on October 2 – Check full schedule
- Asian Games: Badminton action to begin from 28th September – Check Full Schedule
- Asian Games: India Table Tennis schedule, live streaming and other details
Dip in form
She has slipped in the BWF rankings and is out of the top 10 as well. Well-known coach Vimal Kumar is of the opinion that PV Sindhu is low on confidence and not much should be expected from her at the Asian Games 2023. She has been training in Bengaluru with Prakash Padukone, to arrest the dip in her form.
“We have been sitting and observing her sessions. Prakash spoke to her and tried to motivate her. We have also interacted with her coach (Muhammad Hafiz Hashim),” Vimal told PTI. “She is at the moment low on confidence and she has some work to do. We shouldn’t expect much from her at the Asian Games,” he added.
Vimal Kumar went on to say that PV Sindhu needs to make a few technical adjustments. “She is a big player and it is important to give her some time, it might take her a few months to regain her touch. There are a few technical aspects, where she can make some changes. Some initiatives she needs to take in the technical aspect.”
- NRAI names Indian shooting squad for Asian Games
- Sharath Kamal, Manika Batra lead 10-member Indian Table Tennis team
- Indian Wrestling team finalised for Asian Games 2023 – Check Full Squad
- Hockey India names 18-member Men and Women’s squad for Asian Games
- Asian Games: 17 more athletes added to Indian contingent, total increases to 651
Learning Curve
Sindhu’s father PV Ramana is confident of her gaining from this stint with Padukone. “The last week has been a good change for her. She had a good experience learning from Mr Prakash Padukone. He was very kind to be there and watch her practice session,” Sindhu’s father said.
“They have been very supportive and have given her great encouragement. It is good to learn from different coaches, everyone has different views and ways. As a player, she might like to go again, every player have their own strategy.”
