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In the realm of sports, where victory and defeat are an integral part of an athlete’s journey, PV Sindhu’s 2023 saga has been nothing short of a roller-coaster ride. This year marked her return to the badminton arena after battling a stress fracture in her left foot, an injury sustained during her gold-medal performance at the Commonwealth Games the previous August. Since her comeback, Sindhu has encountered early exits in seven tournaments, with just one appearance in the finals. Her ranking has tumbled to No. 15, and the luxury of being seeded in Tour events has eluded her, leading to more challenging tournament draws.
In the midst of these struggles, Sindhu remains India’s beacon of hope for a medal finish in the women’s singles category at the upcoming Asian Games. In a candid conversation with Hindustan Times, Sindhu bared her soul, shedding light on the formidable challenges she faced during her injury and her relentless efforts to reclaim her former glory.
Sindhu’s journey in badminton has been nothing short of remarkable. She has scaled the heights of the sport, winning laurels and the hearts of millions with her prowess on the court. However, the 2023 season has been a litmus test of her determination and resilience.
How Virat Kohli Motivated PV Sindhu During Her Tough Phase
“When I was winning everything, it was almost perfect,” Sindhu reminisced with a wistful smile. “You’re happy, you come back, and you want to win more. But there are days also when you lose, you are down, you want to get into that rhythm but you’re not able to. I’m sure there are situations where you win some and you lose some. It can never happen that you win every time, right? Especially right now, after the injury, coming back in January and trying to find that rhythm again…it’s been OK, but there have been ups and downs,” she admitted.
Her words echo the universal truth of sports – victories and defeats are intertwined. The path to success is riddled with challenges, and it demands unwavering patience and mental fortitude. Sindhu understood the importance of resilience during these trying times.
“It was important for me to have that patience and keep trying harder and coming back stronger,” she emphasized. She said: “I know it is not easy, but it’s also important that mentally you are strong enough to face these things. Because with rhythm, sometimes when you’re not up there, you might feel upset, or that nothing is working out. You keep trying but still you keep losing. That doesn’t mean you should stop trying, rather you should keep trying again and again until it comes.”
Even the strongest athletes have moments of vulnerability. For Sindhu, the weight of expectations, coupled with repeated disappointments, often takes an emotional toll. When asked about how she copes with these emotions, Sindhu responded with candour.
“Ya, ya. There are a lot of situations like that,”* she confessed. *”At times, after my match is finished, I get really upset, and I cry too. Maybe on court, I’m a bit different. But off-court, when I lose matches, I do get upset and cry. But you need to realize that it’s OK. You need to let out what you feel. You need to be prepared for what’s ahead because you can’t think it’s the end of the world. I know it’s hard and it’s upsetting. But it’s important to relax for a day and come back tomorrow,” she shared.
Sindhu’s willingness to acknowledge her emotions sets an inspiring example for aspiring athletes. It reminds us that embracing vulnerability is a part of the journey, and it’s essential to bounce back with renewed vigour.
In moments of despair, even the best turn to others for inspiration. Sindhu, too, sought solace and motivation beyond her sport. She revealed that reading interviews, including those of Indian cricketing legend Virat Kohli, helped her regain her composure and strength.
“I do read some interviews, and I’ve seen Virat’s as well — when you’re sad and nothing is working out, how you are and how you come out of it stronger,”* she shared. *“Initially, Virat too went through a situation where he couldn’t score. But coming out of that is incredibly important, even for the greatest athletes. I’m sure every athlete goes through it,” said the 28-year-old star.
Sindhu’s approach to finding inspiration beyond her sport exemplifies the power of resilience and learning from diverse experiences.
In the world of sports, triumphs and setbacks are part of the journey. PV Sindhu’s 2023 season serves as a testament to her indomitable spirit and unwavering dedication. Despite the challenges she has faced, Sindhu continues to carry India’s hopes at the Asian Games, embodying the spirit of a true champion.
As we look back on her journey, we are reminded that success is not just about the number of victories but also about the ability to rise from defeats with newfound strength. PV Sindhu’s story is one of resilience, determination, and the unyielding pursuit of excellence.
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