PV Sindhu targets elusive gold in Commonwealth Games

Hyderabad: Indian shuttler and two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu has a bronze and a silver from the previous two editions – Glasgow and Gold Coast respectively – at the Commonwealth Games. The 27-year-old feels this edition could be hers to grab the elusive gold when the Games kicks off in Birmingham next week.

After a gruelling training session, the final one ahead of the team’s departure to Birmingham on Sunday, at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium on Saturday, Sindhu said she is happy with the run-up to the Games and hopes to clinch gold this time.

“Yes, the preparations have been great. I am looking forward to the Games. Winning the Singapore Super Series title ahead of the big tournament is a big confidence booster. Hopefully, I will give my best and win the gold this time,” she said with a smile.

Sindhu was frustrated with losses in quarterfinals and semifinal stages of the tournament this year and hence rates the win in Singapore as the top one. “It (win in Singapore) was very important. These kinds of wins give me a lot of confidence. I have been doing well but losing in three sets in semis and quarters. So winning this final means a lot,” added the player.

With Sindhu being the lone fancied female shuttler from the country for the medal, the pressure is huge on her. However, she is not perturbed by it. “Pressure of expectations is always going to be there. But it is important to go there and give our best. Every match counts, you can’t expect easy opponents. It depends on that particular day.”

 There were a few matches where I played really well but lost in three games. You have to be confident no matter what. I know there will be days where nothing seems to be going our way and it will be difficult to win. You need to have that hope and confidence that you can come back stronger. I didn’t lose hope and I came back stronger and won in Singapore open,”