Two medalists and Ace Shuttler PV Sindhu were in the cloud of nine after grabbing Syed Modi International Badminton held in Lucknow on Sunday.
Speaking with Fazal Khan, Sindhu expressed his happiness for his appearance for a week and called the quarter-final win over Thailand Supanida Katethong as a “sweet revenge” because he had lost against him in recent Indian Open tournament.
Quote: Congratulations on your success in Syed Modi International.
How is your experience? Thanks a lot.
Overall it was a great experience.
This is a good week and all the matches go well.
During my match with colleagues, I found that great talent will come.
Even the Bansod played very well in the final.
My match against Supanida also came as a sweet revenge as he had beaten me in India Open.
What did you say about young players? How do you see the future of Indian badminton at the international level? The future of Indian badminton is certainly bright.
Many talented young players come in the international arena.
There was definitely a gap and not many players came after Saina Nehwal and I started playing, but things were looking now.
The Government and Bai (Badminton Association of India) support a lot of young players and encouragement will produce positive results.
How have you been for years? I started under coach Mohammad Ali and Mehboob Ali.
After that I played for several years under many coaches.
At present, I practice with Mr.
Park (Park Tae-sang) at Gachibowli Stadium (Hyderabad).
I thank all my coaches because all of them have unique ways they think, strategies and skills that help me improve my game for years.
I also thank my parents (who themselves have volleyball players) for their constant encouragement.
Facing challenges originating from the Covid pandemic situation must be really difficult for sportsmen.
How do you overcome with “bio-bubble situations” and strict protocols? We must keep ourselves.
Living under the shadows of Covid and following preventive measures is normal.
Bio-bubbles are here to stay and we have to wear a mask, use the cleaners and follow social distance.
It’s also a good thing that wherever we go, organizers also take precautions.
What’s next in your mind? We have a Commonwealth Games and Asian Games marched this year, so preparing during that time.
We have a busy schedule this year so I hope that I still perform well in all tournaments.
I want to get a medal.
What do you like about Lucknow? Lucknow has developed a lot as far as the sport infrastructure is concerned.
I have found many gifted players from Lucknow.
I also like this Lucknow ‘Biryani’ and ‘Tundey kebab’, even though I can’t have it right now.
Your advice for junior players …
There is no substitute for hard work.
If one continues to perform well, the rating that increases and players also move up the stairs.