It was a year that India's PV Sindhu can never forget. The year 2016 has been one that the 21-year-old accomplished not one, but two dreams — winning an Olympic medal at Rio in her first attempt, and then bagging a Super Series title
Pullela Gopichand and PV Sindhu
Indian shuttler PV Sindhu (right) with coach Pullela Gopichand during an event in Mumbai yesterday. PIC/SHADAB KHAN
It was a year that India's PV Sindhu can never forget. The year 2016 has been one that the 21-year-old accomplished not one, but two dreams — winning an Olympic medal at Rio in her first attempt, and then bagging a Super Series title at the China Open in November. The lanky Hyderabadi shuttler though does not want to rest on her laurels, but has an ultimate goal of being the World No. 1.
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'Dream come true'
"Definitely, I am aiming to be the World No. 1. I am happy with my current career-best ranking of No. 6. It was a dream come true when I won the Olympic silver medal and then a Super Series title. I am aware that with achievements comes responsibility. I want to reach there, but I will take it one step at a time and will not rush into it. My aim will be to maintain consistency in my performances. I have to work a lot more if I want to reach that stage (No. 1). Basically, you have to give your best and keep playing," Sindhu said on the sidelines of an announcement where chief National coach P Gopichand's academy tied up with IDBI Federal Life Insurance for an initiative termed 'Quest for Excellence'.
Shift in paradigm
Talking about how the paradigm has shifted in the women's circuit, which is no more dominated by Chinese shuttlers, Sindhu said: "The top 20 to 30 players are all doing well. The rivalry is not restricted to Chinese shuttlers. Any player who performs well on that day wins."
The Premier Badminton League (PBL), starting from January 1, will be a 11-point format. Sindhu, who will play for the Chennai Smashers, feels that the format will bring a lot of uncertainty to the game. "In the 11-point best of three scoring system, one has to be alert right from the start. It doesn't give players too much time to plan out their strategies or come back, say, from a six-point deficit," she added.
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