The moment P.V. Sindhu entered the hall at Hotel Leela Place here on Wednesday, the champion shuttler received a rockstar-like welcome. There is no doubt that the World No.6 is one of the most successful and sought-after sportspersons in India.
The 23-year-old, here for the launch of Mission Sports, an organisation committed to providing high quality sports education program across India, said the qualification period for Tokyo Olympics will be very crucial and it is important to pick and choose tournaments, given the fact that quite a few players have got injured.
“Before that [Olympic qualification], there are other Super Series. We have to go step by step. We need to be fit, stay healthy. Injuries are part and parcel of life. It is not going to be easy. The qualification period is crucial. We need to pick and choose tournaments. Be very keen in what we do, how we play, look at the mistakes we are doing and try to rectify them. From the top, all the 15 players are equal. It depends on how you play on the day. Each match is important,” said Sindhu.
The reigning World Tour finals champion said she is looking forward to the All England Open (March 6 to 10) and the World Championship (August 19 to 25 in Basel, Switzerland), but insisted that the competition in both the events will be very tough. “The last two times (2017 & 2018) in the World championship I got silver. I want to win gold [this time],” she said.
When asked how it felt to be the one of the highest paid sportpsersons in India (after she signed a deal with Li Ning), Sindhu replied that it felt great but added that before her there have been other women, who have signed similar endorsement deals namely Sania Mirza and Saina Nehwal.
“It is encourgaing and not a burden. There have been athletes before [me] like Saina Mirza, Saina [Nehwal]. I don’t say women did not sign endorsements. Now I think a lot of women are doing well,” she said.
The Senior National championships to be held in Guwahati from February 10 to 16 will see the return of Saina Nehwal and Sindhu. According to the Rio Olympic silver medallist, the standard of the Nationals has improved.
“It is good for a lot of youngsters. Last year, I saw [quite a few] talented young players. For them, it is an opportunity to play against us. Now, the standard at the national level in both men and women is good,” she said .
India cricketer Murali Vijay said Mission Sports will act as a bridge between the parents, children and the school.