Saina Nehwal, India’s badminton veteran and 2012 Olympics medalist, has thrown her weight behind PV Sindhu’s quest for a historic third consecutive Olympic medal at the upcoming Paris 2024 Games.
PV Sindhu recent struggles
PV Sindhu, aiming for a hat-trick of Olympic podium finishes, has faced inconsistency in the lead-up to Paris. Despite reaching the Malaysia Masters Super 500 final, she hasn’t secured victories against top competitors in recent months.
Saina Nehwal: Look beyond results
Saina Nehwal urges fans not to judge PV Sindhu based solely on her recent form. “You can’t judge any player from the results of the last 6-7 months,” she stated to PTI. Nehwal emphasizes that Sindhu’s vast experience and dedication to training will be crucial factors. “Training is the only solution,” she says, “because training is going to make you what you are.”
Mental Toughness: Hurdle to overcome
Sindhu has occasionally faltered under pressure, losing matches from seemingly dominant positions. Nehwal acknowledges this concern but downplays the role of mental strategies. “If you have trained well,” she argues, “these things don’t really matter.” Peak physical fitness is paramount, according to Nehwal.
Wide-open Women’s Singles competition
While World No. 1 An Se Young is considered the favorite, the women’s singles field promises to be fiercely competitive.
Experienced players like Carolina Marin, Tai Tzu Ying, and Ratchanok Inthanon will all be contenders. “Badminton is fitness, badminton is speed, badminton is endurance,” Nehwal emphasizes, highlighting the importance of physical attributes on the biggest stage.
India’s men’s doubles hold Gold hopes
While Nehwal’s own comeback remains uncertain due to a knee injury, she believes India has a strong gold medal contender in men’s doubles. The pairing of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty is a force to be reckoned with, according to Nehwal.
Focus on Paris for PV Sindhu
Despite recent challenges, Saina Nehwal’s unwavering support for PV Sindhu underscores the Indian star’s potential. With a focus on physical conditioning and experience on her side, Sindhu remains a strong contender to add another Olympic medal to her already impressive collection.
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