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.
