What is the story about?
Ahead of the 2026 Asian Games, PV Sindhu opened up on a host of issues as she aims to add another medal to their decorated career. The Indian ace shuttler
is participating in the continental showpiece event for the fourth time in her career and will take part in both the women's team event for the Indian side as well as the women's singles. She previously won the bronze medal in the women's team event in 2014 and a women's singles silver in 2018. In an exclusive interaction with Times Now, Sindhu spoke about her excitement and preparations for the event as well as her work with young Indian talent like Ayush Shetty. She also opened up about the challenge of playing this event without a dedicated games village for the first time in the history of the Asian Games.
Here are Excerpts From The Interview
Question: We are here in Japan, and who better to speak to than PV Sindhu, who is India's favorite sportsperson! Sindhu, firstly, always a pleasure to have you on Times Now. Japan is your happy hunting ground. Let's just set—Japan Open, and now here for the Asian Games. How are you feeling, and how much are you looking forward to this challenge?
PV Sindhu: Of course, I am really excited, and I think this is my fourth Asian Games, if I am not wrong. Really, really excited and looking forward! Of course, a couple of months back, I won here in Japan, so again, I am back here. So yes, I would take that as a lucky thing. But yeah, I think we all were looking forward to this Asian Games. It's like, you know, once in four years, so yeah.
Question: And, you know, you are one of the most experienced players in this team, and there is also a team event as well. Does that bring a certain kind of responsibility as well, being the most senior player?
PV Sindhu: I mean, yes, and also it's kind of nice to, you know, get all athletes together and play, because, you know, badminton, I think generally it's an individual sport, and I think these are the times where you get all of them together, play together as a team, and support each other. So it's always nice to have that and take that responsibility in a way. But yeah, since the draw also is out now for the team events, and I am really excited for our match.
Question: And, you know, everyone talks about the quality of players at the Olympic Games, but Asian Games also is very, very difficult. The depth that we see here is equivalent to almost the Olympic Games. How do you look at the quality of competition here at the Asian Games?
PV Sindhu: No, definitely yes! I mean, it is definitely one of the—I think after the Olympics and World Championships, of course, Asian Games is something where it comes once in four years. So after Olympics, I think the Asian Games also is a big one because you see all the Asians are playing this, and I think overall the competition also is really very high at the Asian Games. So really looking forward to it. But at the same time, to get a medal and to win a medal here also is a very big thing.
Question: And Sindhu, when we talk about your preparation, you have of course grown as an athlete and grown immensely—from somebody just playing at the Asian Games to now being a double Olympic medalist as well. How much has your preparation changed to the mental side of, you know, the game, or for you as well?
PV Sindhu: No, definitely, it has changed a lot, because back then when I started playing, when I was playing my first Asian Games, to now, I think there has been a lot of change. Like mentally, you know, I am much more stronger and much more experienced. And I think, you know, how to take things—like for example, you tend to lose points, so you know how do you accordingly react to it, or how do you play and accordingly how you change your strategy. I think that matters, and I have changed on those aspects a lot more.
Question: And if, you know, you were to give one advice to the 18-year-old PV Sindhu, what would you tell her?
PV Sindhu: To be more patient! I think back then, in those days, I think it was completely different. The game also was different. So patience—yeah, back then we all had patience. If I have to say, I think I would not change much, because I have achieved then also at that age and also now. So I think it's been a process and it's been an amazing journey, so I would put it that way.
Question: And in that journey, whenever you step onto the court, particularly in multi-sport disciplines, do you still get nervous? Do you still get the happy jitters, as they say, or are you absolutely used to it now?
PV Sindhu: No, no! I think every time we play for the country, I think it's always there—that, you know, that excitement is always there. So definitely yes, I do get jitters, and of course I feel responsible, and I would want to, you know, get that medal for the country. So yeah!
Question: And Sindhu, how do you look at, you know, the future of Indian badminton? There are so many rising stars; there are so many who look up to you as well. I am sure there are conversations that they have with you—I remember seeing you practice with Ayush Shetty as well. So, you know, you also do your bit. But just, what are those conversations like?
PV Sindhu: I think, you know, right now I'm training in Bangalore, so I play with a lot of youngsters. And I play with Ayush. Ayush also is upcoming now; he is playing well. There are a lot of things to learn from them as well in terms of—he is very powerful, very strong. And I also play with a lot of young boys there, and also, you know, Devika, Isha, we've been playing. So I think there is a good talent. You see a lot of scope, but at the same time, I think you need to be consistent and keep maintaining that, because, you know, badminton as a sport, it has grown so much. Every time you see, it keeps going in a different way—you know, sometimes it's a faster game, sometimes you need to stay on the court for a long period of time, sometimes there are long rallies. So I think overall, as a sport, badminton has changed in its own ways, but I do see a lot of talent in the youngsters and there are a lot of youngsters coming up. So if I have to say, in the next coming years, there will be a lot more girls and boys who will achieve.
Question: Yeah, and still, you have possibly achieved everything that there is to achieve—you know, from Olympic medals to Asian Games medal to the Commonwealth Games medal. The trophy cabinet is full or probably overflowing! But what would it mean to fight for an Asian Games Gold at this stage of your career?
PV Sindhu: No, I think, see, as you said, yes, I have achieved everything, but still, you know, that passion towards the sport keeps me going. And I still know that I have it in me and I can achieve, so, you know, why not just go for it? And every time I go out there and play, irrespective of, you know, whichever tournament it might be, but currently being here in the Asian Games, at the Asian Games, I think, definitely aiming for a medal out there. And I think it's a big moment for everyone, and for the country, for myself, so yeah. I mean, it's just that, you know, whenever I step onto the court, it's just that passion and love towards the sport.
Question: You spoke about the passion and love you have for your sport, but we also see that same passion for the country every single time. There is a smile on your face whenever you represent India. Whether you win a medal or not—even if we talk about the Tokyo Olympics, I remember your coach Park waving the Indian flag with as much pride as perhaps you did. So I think Japan—happy memories, as we said—but this journey is very special for you, right?
PV Sindhu: Definitely, the journey was very special. And as you said, Japan is definitely lucky, but at the same time, bringing back a medal... and recently a few months ago, winning the Japan Open was of course a big thing because I won after many months. Now I am back in Japan for the Asian Games, so I hope that lucky trend always remains. But I think overall, the Asian Games is the kind of tournament that comes around once in four years, so I think it's definitely a very big moment for everyone—especially representing the country is a big moment for everyone, yeah.
Question: Sindhu, you travel so much, you compete so much, you are hardly home, as they say. So do you ever feel that people take it for granted that if a medal isn't coming, then Sindhu isn't practicing properly, or Sindhu isn't doing this or that? I think that pressure of expectations, as it's called, do you feel it sometimes? And do you ever feel the need to tell people, "Do you have any idea how much we sacrifice?"
PV Sindhu: Actually, that does happen, and I mean—a lot of people many times, let's say in the media or anywhere, keep saying things. Like last time before the Japan Open, I hadn't won anything for almost 2 years. There was an injury, then I came back, and I was losing in the first or second round. So a lot of people said, "Is she done? Why is she playing? Retire already." I mean, it's their perspective and we are no one to change it, or you know, we are no one to change their perspective. But I think overall, just one thing that we have to do is focus on our game—we have to just play. And it's just that, you know, when you go onto court—I understand, I mean, for them, okay, when they watch us play in a tournament, they are evaluating how we are playing, what she is playing. But you know, nobody sees behind the scenes. Every time, always, nobody can win. Or you know, sometimes you might lose in the first round or second rounds. But I think the main thing is, whenever we are playing any tournament, we have to give 100%. I feel that if you give your 100%, irrespective of whatever the result is, that satisfaction is on another level. And if you automatically do well, then automatically you will get success.
Question: And when we talk about these Asian Games, the quality of competition—India will be in both the team event and the individual event. And I think your matches against the Chinese players are widely watched and people get very excited about them. So are you looking forward to that as well?
PV Sindhu: No, no, definitely, because the competition is really good here at the Asian Games. A lot of Asians are playing—let's say Thailand, Japan, China, Korea, you have the top players. So I think we just have to give our best irrespective of whatever it is, because it's not going to be easy. You know, it will be hard. It's just that every point matters, every game matters. So every day, irrespective of whoever the opponent is, we have to play 100%, so yeah.
Question: Last two questions, Sindhu. You might have read that these Asian Games are a bit unconventional in the sense that there is no Games Village; athletes are staying in hotels or containers. So some athletes were saying it feels like a battle because the hockey players are only meeting hockey players, badminton players are only meeting badminton players. What is your impression of these Asian Games, given this is your fourth time and you've experienced every level?
PV Sindhu: Yeah, I mean, yeah, it is my fourth time, and every time the Asian Games has a team event or a village-like environment. This time it's not like that. And yeah, definitely, you know, we are staying here only with the badminton players. We only see others, let's say, in the opening ceremony. But when different sports come to watch our matches, that's when we see them. But apart from that, yeah, I mean, this is very different. Because usually, it's just badminton-badminton when playing tournaments. But sometimes, you know, it's like all sports coming together—talking to each other only happens in two or three tournaments: Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, and the Olympics. So that is missing this time. But I just hope that, you know, somehow or you know, it's kind of, I would say, you make friends, you get to know them from different countries, different sports. It's kind of a—you come together as a team, as a country, and also you get to meet other national athletes as well. So it would have been nice if it were like that. But obviously, their rules... you know, we don't know what the rules are and how they have managed accommodations and stuff. But yeah, irrespective of whatever it is, we just come, play, and I hope we represent well, win medals for our country, and go back.
Question: Before you go, a special message for your PV Sindhu fans? They'll be cheering from India, and we hope they come to see you in the stadium here too. But what would you like to say to those who are praying for a medal for Sindhu?
PV Sindhu: I just want to say—thank you so much! I mean, I know there are a lot of Indians in Japan too. Last time when I played the Japan Open, a lot of Indians were supporting me. So I hope they keep supporting, they keep coming and watching our matches. Thank you so much for your support and love, and I hope you keep supporting me throughout the tournament!
