Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu has opened up about the transformative shift in women’s singles badminton, acknowledging that the sport has become more defensive and endurance-driven, posing new challenges for seasoned players. In a candid interview, Sindhu revealed that her biggest hurdle now is sustaining long rallies and maintaining peak physical fitness amid a demanding global calendar.
🏸 “Game Has Slowed Down, Patience Is Key”: Sindhu
“The women’s singles competition has completely changed. Initially, it was more about attack and fast rallies; now it’s about long rallies and strong defence,” Sindhu said, reflecting on her recent performances.
The 29-year-old, who has faced early exits in several tournaments this year, emphasized the need to adapt her strategy and training to match the sport’s evolving tempo. She is now focusing on building endurance to withstand 30–40 stroke rallies, which have become the norm in elite matches.
🧠 Training Overhaul Under New Coach
Sindhu has been training under Indonesian coach Irwansyah Adi Pratama for the past six months. Together, they’ve revamped her regimen to prioritize quality over quantity, reducing tournament load to avoid injuries and improve recovery.
“It’s not going to be the same as it was 10 years ago. We adapt accordingly,” she noted, adding that sustainability and smart scheduling are now central to her approach.
📉 Recent Form and Road Ahead
- 2025 Season: Four first-round and three second-round exits
- Best Finish: Quarterfinals at India Open in January
- Next Tournaments: Japan Open (July 15), followed by China Open
Despite the setbacks, Sindhu remains optimistic, citing improved match competitiveness and closer contests with top-ranked players as signs of progress.
📌 Why It Matters
Sindhu’s evolution reflects a broader trend in modern badminton, where mental resilience and physical stamina are as crucial as technical skill. Her journey underscores the importance of reinvention in elite sport, especially for athletes navigating the second phase of their careers.
🔁 Share this article to follow PV Sindhu’s comeback journey and the changing face of global badminton.
