Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu on Thursday said staying mentally strong and injury-free remains her primary focus as she keeps a long-term eye on the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
Former world champion Sindhu, returning after a long injury lay-off, defeated the eighth-seeded Japanese Tomoka Miyazaki 21-8, 21-13 to reach the quarterfinals of the Malaysia Open at the Stadium Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur. This was World No. 18 Sindhu’s second win in three matches against Tomoka Miyazaki.
Sindhu, who didn’t participate in any tournament from October onwards due to a foot injury, underlined the importance of fitness in sustaining top-level performance. “Firstly, I would focus on staying healthy and staying fit. That’s very important for an athlete to stay injury-free. That’s when you can actually go out there and give your 100 percent,” said the 30-year-old from Hyderabad. “You also have to be mentally strong,” she added.
Reflecting on the challenges of making a comeback, Sindhu admitted that setbacks are inevitable during recovery phases. “When you’re injured and when you’re coming back, that’s when it’s very important to stay mentally strong and be prepared for everything, because sometimes you might have bad days. It’s important to believe and come back stronger.”
Body is a temple, you have to take care of it: Sindhu
Asked if she is planning to challenge for the Los Angeles Games in 2028, Sindhu said she is not rushing the process and prefers to take things step by step. “The body is like a temple. You have to take care of it. For me, it’s one day at a time. I hope I stay fit, give my best and I will be playing for a couple of more years,” she said.
Talking about her performance against Miyazaki, Sindhu said preparation and alertness were key, especially after an injury layoff. “Today I was prepared and ready for long rallies and her shots as well. Overall, it was important for me to be on court, be alert all the time and give my 100 percent because it’s my first tournament of the season,” she said.
Meanwhile, Lakshya Sen bowed out of the tournament after losing his men’s singles pre-quarterfinals match in straight games.
Lakshya Sen, ranked 13th, lost 22-20, 21-15 against World No. 18 Lee Cheuk Yiu of Hong Kong China in 53 minutes. The 24-year-old started on a positive note, holding an 11-9 lead at the interval and even had four game points in the opening game. However, a run of six consecutive points by Lee Cheuk Yiu saw Lakshya Sen lose the opener in a tie-break.
In the second game, Lakshya Sen held an 11-8 advantage at the interval but could add only four more points for the remainder of the contest as Lee Cheuk Yiu seized control to close out the match and advance to the next round. This was Lakshya Sen’s third defeat in five matches against Lee Cheuk Yiu.
Ayush Sen, who stunned Paris 2024 Olympics bronze medal winner Lee Zii Jia of Malaysia in the first round, also lost his pre-quarterfinals match as India’s men’s singles challenge at the BWF Super 1000 tournament came to an end. Up against top seed and world champion Shi Yuqi of the People’s Republic of China, Ayush Shetty lost 21-18, 18-21, 21-12 in an hour and 12 minutes.
Meanwhile, India’s top doubles duo Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty also sailed into the quarterfinals. Squaring off against Junaidi Arif and Yap Roy King of Malaysia, Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy won the match 21-18, 21-11.
