Important to stay grounded: PV Sindhu

Chennai: Despite being one of the highest-paid athletes in the country, P.V. Sindhu’s ability to remain grounded makes her a class apart. “You should always remember your own journey; and how you came up in life. If you do that, you will stay grounded irrespective of the height that you reach. It’s important for all sportspersons,” Sindhu said on the sidelines of a private school function here.

Having ended the country’s wait in the World badminton championships, Sindhu knows there would be a lot of expectations when she enters the 2020 Olympics as one of India’s medal prospects. “World championship gold was a much-awaited one. It adds more responsibility on my shoulders. However, I would just take it as a blessing from billions of people. I will give it my best shot in Tokyo for the gold,” she added.

The biggest challenge for Sindhu going into the Tokyo Games will be managing her workload. And that’s why the newly-crowned world champion feels it’s wise to pick and choose tournaments ahead of the quadrennial event in Tokyo. “Each and every tournament is important before the Olympics. However, you need to be mentally and physically fit. And you also need to maintain your fitness and give your 100 per cent in tournaments. So, I will pick and choose tournaments when it comes to that because I will have to be injury-free,” said Sindhu.

Sindhu will play in the Denmark Open starting on October 15. The Hyderabadi shuttler could possibly run into her nemesis and reigning Olympic champion, Carolina Marin, in the quarterfinal. “It is not going to be easy. Marin has performed well since she made a comeback from an injury. But every round is important. My first-round opponent is an Indonesian (Gregoria Mariska Tunjwong). I hope I play well,” she said.