Lucknowites recall silver medallist PV Sindhu’s appearance at a tourney

Samarth Srivastava

Lucknow: Indian shuttler PV Sindhu, who outshined Laura Sarosi (Hungary), Michelle Li (Canada), Tjhu Tae Yang (China), Wang Yihan (China) and Nozomi Okuhara (Japan) on way to silver medal in the Rio Olympics 2016, was once defeated in Lucknow by a much lower ranked player.

It was Syed Modi Grand Prix tournament at Babu Banarasi Das Uttar Pradesh Badminton Academy where the Olympics medalist Sindhu suffered a shocking 21-18, 24-26, 17-21 loss to Nitchaon Jindapol in 2015.

Recalling the same,Uttar Pradesh Badminton Association Joint Secretary Rajesh Saxena told ‘newstrack.com’, “Sindhu is a fantastic player with unmatched brilliance. She had few problems in her game when she played in Lucknow but the way she overcame all those is inspiring for every athlete. The 21-year old has big career ahead.”

“It was the experience of Spain’s Carolina Marine owing to which she thumped Sindhu in the final encounter,” he added.

It was a sheer coincidence that the Olympics Gold medallist Carolina Marine was defeated in the same tournament by none other than Indian ace-shuttler Saina Nehwal.

PV Sindhu was coached here in two consecutive years 2011 and 2012 by Sudhir with whom she participated in several national camps.

When newstrack.com contacted coach Sudhir for other details, he informed, “I am proud that I was once associated with a player like Sindhu. She was with us for little time period. In 2011, she went with us in several tournaments including Junior World Championship (Taiwan), Asia Badminton Championship and many more.

When Sudhir was asked about Sindhu’s defeat in the hands of Jindapol in 2015, he admitted, “Previously, Sindhu had some weakness, she did not make proper use of her height. She also faced defeat due to lack of speed, movement and accuracy. But now, she improved herself especially in defence. Sindhu’s leg work was not that good as of Carolina Marine but the way she fought against the World No. 1 is outstanding.”

Newstrack.com also interacted with shuttler Akanshi Balyan who is a friend of star shuttler Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu. She said Sindhu has given inspiration to all the players who focus on bringing medal in the Cricket-centric nation.

“It was Sindhu’s first Olympic and her performance was brilliant. We all are highly impressed by her. Along with Cricket, people are also watching Badmintion. It is a moment of proud for us that now people are taking interest in Badminton and wants to play the same.”

Sindhu’s friend Akanshi who has met former’s father several times called him as a down to earth man and a caring father.

“Sindhu’s father has taken 8-months off from his office to help Sindhu in each and every step during her practice sessions. He also came to BBD during Syed Modi Badminton league. He supported Sindhu a lot,” Akanshi added.

Other players who are practicing in BBD badminton stadium also called Sindhu, an inspiration.

Also read: President to honour Sindhu, Sakshi, Karmakar with Khel Ratna