PV Sindhu Aims for Glory at India Open and Beyond
Sindhu's Comeback Ahead of India Open
PV Sindhu, the gold medalist from the World Championships, has declared that she feels at her peak physically, mentally, and technically as she prepares for the India Open, which kicks off on Tuesday. She expressed optimism about qualifying for the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, contingent on her physical condition and performance.
Last October, the two-time Olympic medalist withdrew from the remainder of the Badminton World Federation (BWF) World Tour season due to a foot injury and a decline in her performance. Although she reached the quarterfinals in the BWF World Championships, India Open, and China Masters last year, she faced early exits in several other tournaments, including six first-round and four second-round eliminations.
A Promising Start to the Year
Sindhu, now 30, began her competitive season on a high note with a semifinal finish at the Malaysia Open. She is eager to impress her home crowd at the Indira Gandhi Arena, which will also host the BWF World Championships in August.
Sindhu's Recovery Journey
In a conversation about her recovery, Sindhu confirmed, "I have completely recovered and am giving my best. During my injury, it was crucial to stay mentally and physically strong and believe in my comeback." She noted her good rhythm in Malaysia and hopes to maintain it during the Indian Open, emphasizing the importance of fan support.
Sindhu acknowledged that the upcoming Asian Games in Japan and the World Championships at home make this BWF Super 750 event particularly significant for her.
Looking Ahead to Los Angeles 2028
Regarding her aspirations for the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, Sindhu remains hopeful, stating, "If my body permits and I perform well, why not?" She emphasized the importance of focusing on one tournament at a time while ensuring she stays injury-free and enjoys the sport.
HS Prannoy's Journey Back to Enjoyment
On the other side, HS Prannoy, the bronze medalist from the 2023 World Championships, is also navigating his challenges. After a first-round exit at the Malaysia Open, he reflected on his struggles over the past year, including injuries and health issues that affected his performance.
Prannoy shared that he lost his enjoyment for the game towards the end of 2025 and has been working on regaining that passion. He mentioned making minor adjustments to his weight and mindset as he enters a new season.
Prannoy's Future Prospects
As he approaches his 34th birthday, Prannoy views the LA 2028 Olympics as a distant goal. He expressed uncertainty about his future, stating, "I do not even know what I am going to do after three months." He remains committed to competing at a high level and is focused on his performance in the coming months.