India’s celebrated badminton star and double Olympic medallist, PV Sindhu, recently opened up about her journey in the sport, her future aspirations, and the unwavering passion that drives her to keep pushing forward. Speaking at the Nasscom Technology and Leadership Forum, Sindhu emphasized the importance of perseverance, discipline, and the ability to bounce back from setbacks. Despite experiencing both triumphs and challenges throughout her career, she remains determined to achieve greater heights in the sport she loves.
Sindhu acknowledged that while success brings joy and recognition, the hard work and sacrifices behind the scenes often go unnoticed. She highlighted the necessity of resilience, stating that an athlete must remain committed and hopeful, as one never knows when a breakthrough moment might occur.
The Power of Discipline and Perseverance
Sindhu firmly believes that success in sports is a result of years of dedication and discipline. She noted that while people often see the medals and victories, they may not fully understand the rigorous efforts and relentless training that go into achieving those accomplishments.
“It’s a process. Every single day, an athlete must be willing to put in the effort. Some days are great, and everything falls into place, but there are also days when nothing seems to work out. Despite those tough moments, you must keep going,” she explained.
She further stressed that training is an ongoing journey, with both highs and lows. Athletes, she said, must learn to manage their emotions and continue working hard regardless of setbacks. Whether it’s a bad training session or a poor performance in a tournament, the key is to learn from those experiences and move forward with renewed determination.
Passion That Fuels Excellence
Sindhu expressed that her love for badminton remains as strong as ever, despite already achieving significant milestones in her career. Addressing the perception that she has already accomplished everything one could aspire to, she countered, “People might say, ‘You have everything, what else do you need?’ But for me, it’s about passion. I still have that hunger to do much better, to improve every single day, and to reach new levels in my game.”
She acknowledged that victories serve as motivation, giving her the confidence and drive to aim even higher. “These wins give me a boost, making me want to push myself further. That’s why I always say, every day is a new day, and every day is a new process. Even if you have bad days, you have to let go and come back even stronger,” she added.
Overcoming Challenges and Injuries
Sindhu, who recently had to miss the Asian Mixed Badminton Championship due to an injury, spoke candidly about dealing with setbacks. She emphasized that injuries and disappointments are part of an athlete’s life, but the ability to stay focused and keep striving for excellence is what sets champions apart.
She also reflected on the mental and physical toll that professional sports take on an athlete. “There are times when you are extremely exhausted, and training sessions feel impossible to complete. But those are the moments when discipline matters the most. It’s important to push through those difficulties because, at any moment, things can click, and all the hard work pays off.”
The Long Road to Success
Sindhu hopes that people understand the level of commitment it takes to reach the top in sports. “It’s not just about working hard for a few months or a year. It takes years and years of relentless effort to get to a certain level,” she emphasized.
She encouraged aspiring athletes to embrace the grind and trust in the process. “You have to believe in yourself and keep putting in the effort every single day. Success doesn’t happen overnight, but if you are dedicated and passionate about what you do, the results will come.”
As she continues her journey, Sindhu remains focused on achieving new milestones and proving that she still has much more to offer. With her undying passion, commitment, and unwavering belief in herself, she continues to be an inspiration for athletes and sports enthusiasts around the world.