Internet Desk: She is considered to be the biggest medal prospect in Badminton for India at Rio Olympics after Saina Nehwal. World No. 10 Sindhu and fellow-Hyderabadi Saina Nehwal, ranked two rungs above her currently, will be the two big hopes for the country in the August 5-21 sports spectacle which is to be held for the first time ever in South America. Sindhu, who flew out to China on Thursday to take part in the Thomas and Uber Cup spoke exclusively to xtratime.in ahead of her preparations for the forthcoming Rio Olympics.
After Saina Nehwal you are the next super star player in badminton in India. How are you gearing up for your first ever Olympics?
I will be leaving for China on Thursday. I will participate in the Thomas and Uber Cup from May 15-22. In June, I will be travelling to Indonesia and Australia to take part in the Super Series. These tournaments will be very important for me as they will act as my preparations for the Summer Games in Rio.
Sindhu, you are tipped as one of the prime medal prospect for India. There will be a huge expectation from both you and Saina to win a medal in Rio. Does it put you under any pressure as the entire nation is looking towards you to win a medal in Rio?
I am under no added pressure at all. All I can say is I am enjoying every moment thinking I will be representing my country in the biggest sporting stage of the world. To be representing my country at Olympics is a huge honour for me. I do not have to take any pressure but all I need to do is enjoy myself. I have to perform at the right time. I am confident that if I play to my potential, success will follow automatically.
Your height is only 5 ft 10 inches. Will it act as a disadvantage for you as your opponents are taller than you? How are you preparing yourself to negate the advantage your opponents will be having?
I will focus on counter attack strategy. I will try as much possible to bend myself. My opponents will look to push me to back foot, will target me while smashing. But I will have to work out my strategies no sooner than later as there is not much time left for the Games. I am working hard on my weakness and trying to overcome it as much as possible.
It’s a pre-requisite to have a good footwork to do well in a sport like badminton. What are you doing in order to make your movement faster on court?
I know very well my opponents will try and push me harder on court. I am doing a special kind of training to improve my muscle strength of my legs. I have also extended my gym session doing more strength training for my legs. I have been working on this for last few months training with Gopi Sir in his academy.
Saina did the nation proud by winning a medal in London Olympics. Will it work on your mind to replicate Saina’s achievement? Do you get inspired with Saina’s achievement?
What more can I say about Saina. She has a tremendous fighting spirit. It is because of her fighting spirit she has achieved so much fame and recognition. I will also try and imitate the same fighting spirit as Saina. Definitely Saina’s achievement will constantly inspire me to do well.
How hopeful are you about winning a medal in Rio?
I have a feeling that something bigger is awaiting in my life. If I go on to win a medal in Rio, it will be a great thing for me and my family, Gopichand Sir and the country.
Lastly, recently there was a huge controversy surrounding Bollywood star Salman Khan’s appointment as Goodwill Ambassador for Indian contingent. IOA was forced to appointment Sachin Tendulkar and Abhinav Bindra as well. What is your reaction on the entire controversy?
I really have nothing to comment on this. Frankly speaking, I do not have time to think about it as I do not want to be dragged into the controversy. All I am concentrating on is my preparations for the Rio Games.