Category: Badminton

PV Sindhu, India’s two-time Olympic medalist, is considered an “underdog” for the upcoming Paris Olympics, according to former Indian shuttler Parupalli Kashyap. However, Kashyap emphasizes that Sindhu’s reputation and big-match experience will make opponents wary of her.

Despite not being in top form since recovering from a knee injury, Sindhu’s Olympic pedigree and past achievements give her an edge. Kashyap believes that opponents will be cautious when facing her, even if her recent form suggests otherwise.

Since the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, Sindhu has faced challenges with injuries and inconsistent performances. However, Kashyap highlights her attacking style and fitness level as strengths that make her a formidable opponent in major events.

In the men’s singles category, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty are considered title contenders for India. Kashyap believes their success in the Asian Games, Asian Championships, and World Championships makes them one of the favorites for the gold medal.

Their main competitors are expected to be the Chinese and Korean pairs. Kashyap notes that the Chinese pair has recently defeated Satwik-Chirag, while the Koreans have also posed a challenge.

HS Prannoy and Lakshya Sen are seen as “dark horses” in the men’s singles draw. Kashyap praises Lakshya’s performance in the All-England final and his qualification for the Olympics despite a tough period. He also highlights Prannoy’s multiple Super Series wins and medal-winning performances in the World Championships and Asian Games.

Both Prannoy and Lakshya have proven their ability to perform under pressure, especially in big matches. Kashyap believes they have the potential to upset higher-ranked opponents and progress in the tournament.

PV Sindhu, India’s badminton ace, is leaving no stone unturned in her quest for an unprecedented third consecutive Olympic medal at the Paris Games. Her unwavering determination is evident in her rigorous training regimen, which includes innovative techniques and a diverse range of sparring partners.

To simulate the high-altitude conditions of Paris, Sindhu created a hypoxic chamber in her room in Germany, where she slept for several days. This technique helps her body adapt to the reduced oxygen levels, enhancing her performance at higher altitudes.

Sindhu has also honed her strokes and improved her consistency during long rallies under the guidance of her mentor, Prakash Padukone. She emphasizes the importance of playing the right stroke at the right time, a skill she has developed through sparring with players of varying styles.

In Germany, Sindhu trained with left-handed players, attacking players, and even two opponents simultaneously. This diverse training environment has equipped her to handle different playing styles and adapt quickly to changing conditions.

Sindhu’s journey to the Olympics has been marked by both triumph and adversity. In Rio 2016, she was an underdog, while in Tokyo 2020, she carried the weight of expectations. Now, in Paris, she aims to strike a balance between the two, hoping for a podium finish that would cement her legacy as India’s greatest athlete.