PV Sindhu ready to fire for Chennai

There would be no dearth of action from Chennai Smashers in the Premier Badminton League because the franchise is owned by the family of dynamic actor Vijaykanth. After missing out on the inaugural edition of the shuttle league, Chennai has found a place in the re-branded tournament which is returning next month after a year’s hiatus.

Roping in P.V. Sindhu, a two-time bronze winner at the world championship, was a coup for Smashers who had to stave off stiff challenges from three other franchises in the auction for the Hyderabad ace. Chennai sealed Sindhu’s signature for $95,000.

It would be a homecoming of sorts for Sindhu because her mother, P. Vijaya, had her school and college education in Chennai. Vijaya, who is fluent in Tamil, said she was glad to know that her daughter would be the face of the Tamil Nadu capital in the PBL.

Sindhu said she can’t wait for the start of the league. “I’m delighted to represent Smashers. My mother’s bond with Chennai is strong. Although I can’t speak Tamil like her, I can understand the language. I’m looking forward to the tournament. The PBL will motivate many children in the city to take up badminton,” she added.

P.V. Ramana, Sindhu’s father, also has a Chennai connection thanks to his thundering smashes as a volleyball player in his younger days. “Volleyball has always been big in Tamil Nadu and I have played in numerous tournaments across the state. I’m happy that Sindhu will be wearing Chennai’s colours in the PBL. Vijaykanth deserves credit for bringing high-standard badminton action to Chennai,” said Ramana, a member of India’s bronze-medal winning team at the 1986 Asian Games.

For Sindhu, Ramana is an inspiration. “He achieved so much in volleyball despite starting very late. “Hard work was my dad’s hallmark. More important, he didn’t have facilities to maximise his potential. I’m lucky to play a sport in this era,” the badminton star said.

Being in the spotlight also has its pitfalls. Smashers would expect nothing but a win from Sindhu. “My simple mantra is giving my best all the time. I don’t think I would be under extra pressure to deliver. I also have senior team mates for guidance. All the teams in the PBL have an equal chance and the event would be fun because I always enjoy playing alongside foreigners,” Sindhu said.

The top pick of Smashers signed off with a message of solidarity with Chennai people who have been reeling from unprecedented floods. “My heart goes out to those who have been affected by the floods. I pray for them and I share their pain,” she said.