PV Sindhu on right track to emulate Saina Nehwal's success

27 December, 2012

Indian woman badminton player Pusrala Venkata Sindhu is said to be the next big thing in Indian badminton, as she has been performing well in events around the world. Her achievements on badminton courts has helped her come in the limelight, which is basically dominated by Saina Nehwal as far as Indian badminton is concerned.

VIJAY SINHA, Secretary for the Badminton Association of India told this citizen journalist that, “Amongst all the youngsters, she (Sindhu) is the rising star of the Indian badminton.”

There is strong belief among officials and experts alike that the Hyderabad-based Sindhu would bring in a number of medals in the future. The player came into the main spotlight after she defeated London Olympics gold medalist Li Xuerui in China Masters Super Series months back in September 2012. Sinha said, “If you defeat better players, the will power and confidence of the player will increase, which has happened with Sindhu,” said Sinha.

Sindhu has had an impressive career so far, and her best performance has been a silver medal finish in the Dutch Open and she once again had to settle for silver in the recently concluded Indian Open Grand Prix Gold. But, it also brings into light the fact that the player comes under pressure when it comes to playing finals. May be with time and experience, she will get acclimatised to it and win number of titles, pleasing Indian fans and herself as well. “After some experience and maturity, she will for sure attain good heights in the badminton circuit,” said Sinha.

It would be a great feeling, if Indian badminton witnesses another star in world badminton, which she can truly achieve. Until now, it is Sania who has been carrying the Indian flag high. The Indian player is going to learn many things from Sania as she also trains in the same academy, where Sania trains under the watchful eyes of Gopichand. Vinod Dhawan, Vice-President for Badminton Association of Indian said, “She has a very good height. She is very focused on her game. She is inspired by Sania's achievment and it also helps as Sindhu also trains in the same academy, where Saina does.”

Saina has achieved a number of things in her past and is also one of the top players in the world. Sindhu has a long way to go as she is presently 17 years of age at present. Saina on the other hand had already won the four star tournament, Philippines Open and also won the 2006 BWF World Junior Championship at a young age of 16 years only. Though, Sindhu might not have attained such heights, but she is on the right track in emulating Saina's achievement. Dhawan also agrees with it and said, “She might attain the success level of what Sania has already achieved in her career.”

But for some there stands no comparison between the two players, like Sinha who said, “We cannot compare these players. They have a difference of five years. Sania is a definitely a better player (at present). Sindhu has to struggle if she is to achieve what Sania has already achieved.”