It will be anybody’s game at Rio: Sindhu
Olympic debutant P.V. Sindhu believes it will all boil down to “how one handles the pressure on the day” at the multi-sport extravaganza in Brazil this August.

Olympic debutant P.V. Sindhu believes it will all boil down to “how one handles the pressure on the day” at the multi-sport extravaganza in Brazil this August.
Sindhu, part of the seven-member badminton contingent at the Olympics, said she was keen to make her first Olympics “memorable”.
“I am really very excited. I am proud and keen to perform in my first Olympics. I hope to give my best,” Sindhu told this paper here on Monday.
“Every player is improving. It’s not that only one player can win... like Japan, Taipei players are all doing well. So, it will be anybody’s game who give their best and how they handle the pressure on the day,” said the 20-year-old, who will be sharing the responsibility with Saina Nehwal in women’s singles at Rio.
Asked whether she was able to tackle the pressure of expectations, the world no. 10 said she would treat the Olympics as another tournament.
“Some people say the Olympics are different, special. But I want to take it in a normal way, I will play how I play in every tournament. We meet the same girls in every tournament. So, I should not put pressure saying that I need to do better. I will play my usual game. That way, I feel, will reduce the tension and I can play my best game,” she explained.
Sindhu added that mental strength would play an important role.
“For me, talk sessions with our mental trainer are helping a lot. Yoga and meditation are also part of our sessions to overcome nerves. Besides, I am putting more time on court sessions. I am working on the overall aspect of my game. — not only my attacking strokes but also defensive,” she said.
Despite her not-so-impressive results of late, Sindhu said she was confident of a good show.
“I am much fitter than last year. Injury kept me away for over six months and then I came back to win medals. I hope to play with the same spirit in the Games,” the lanky shuttler said.