Learning to tackle pressure situations: PV Sindhu

Rio Olympics-bound athletes Heena Sidhu (from left), Ayonika Paul, Shiva Thapa, P.V. Sindhu and Gurpreet Singh at an event in Mumbai. (Photo: Shirpad Naik)

Badminton sensation P.V. Sindhu is all to compete in her first Olympic Games. The 20-year-old will take part in the women’s singles, along with compatriot Saina Nehwal, in the magnum opus starting August 5 in Rio de Janeiro. The world no. 10 shuttler, supported by Olympic Gold Quest, spoke on a wide range of issues in a chat.

Excerpts:

On the pressure of Olympics: We had a motivational session with Prakash (Padukone) sir. He told us we shouldn’t build up that pressure thinking that we have to play well in Rio. But we all know it is going to be there. On top of that, it is my first and I am excited.

On changes in training: There might be changes in strokeplay. Players keep changing their game. We need to change and plan accordingly to avoid being misled.

On her drop shots that caused problems before: I have been working on every stroke which has to be perfect. There is lot more to learn.

On skipping the Indonesia Open: I played too many tournaments in a row and I thought training would be more important now. I will be playing in Australia and USA and also have training sessions in between. It is important to be fit.

On coach Gopichand: The task starts with him now. Since the event is two months away, I will have to sit and plan with him.

On what makes Saina Nehwal special: She fights till the last minute. She always goes for it. Her mind is in place and probably tells her to go for it come what may.

On her chances of winning an Olympic medal: I will be happy but I won’t take it easy.