A New Chapter for India’s Badminton Star
PV Sindhu, India’s two-time Olympic medalist, is set to embark on a new journey in her badminton career with the appointment of a new coach, Anup Sridhar, who has a notable connection with another rising star, Lakshya Sen. This move comes after Sindhu’s disappointing run at the Paris Olympics 2024, where she failed to replicate her previous Olympic performances.
The Coach Behind the Stars
Anup Sridhar, a former Indian shuttler, brings a wealth of experience to the table. He was the captain of India’s Thomas Cup team and had his best year on the badminton tour in 2007, finishing as the top-ranked Indian player with a year-end ranking of 25. Sridhar achieved his career-high world ranking of 24 in early 2008 and represented India in the men’s singles event at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Sridhar’s coaching credentials are equally impressive, having previously coached Lakshya Sen, who recently made history by becoming the first Indian man to reach a badminton semifinal at any Olympics. Sen’s remarkable victory against Chou Tien Chen at the Paris 2024 Olympics showcased his superior physical fitness and newly rediscovered self-belief, attributes that Sridhar played a significant role in developing.
The New Partnership
PV Sindhu’s father, PV Ramana, announced that Anup Sridhar will be Sindhu’s temporary coach as they search for a permanent replacement for Agus Dwi Santoso, whose contract is ending soon. This partnership is seen as a strategic move to revitalize Sindhu’s game, especially after her recent setbacks. Ramana expressed confidence in the new partnership, stating that they are keen to see how it works out and are considering several candidates for the permanent coaching position.
Sindhu is currently focused on fitness training, reserving slots at Gachibowli Stadium for additional practice. Her schedule for the next two months will be packed with tournaments, including the European swing followed by events in Korea, Kumamoto, and the China Masters from November 5 to 24. This rigorous training and competition schedule underscores the importance of having a seasoned coach like Sridhar by her side.
Return to the Court
Sindhu’s return to competitive badminton is slated for October, with the European tournaments being her first major challenge under Sridhar’s guidance. The European swing will be a crucial test for the new coach-player duo, as they aim to regain the form that made Sindhu a household name in the badminton world. Sridhar’s experience and tactical acumen are expected to play a pivotal role in Sindhu’s preparation and performance during these tournaments.
Lakshya Sen’s Inspiration
Lakshya Sen’s recent success at the Paris 2024 Olympics serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for Sindhu. Sen’s journey, from being an unseeded player to reaching the semifinals, is a testament to the impact of dedicated coaching and hard work. Sridhar’s involvement in Sen’s career highlights his ability to bring out the best in his players, a quality that Sindhu and her team are banking on to revive her career.
Future Prospects
As Sindhu prepares for her return to the court, there is a sense of optimism surrounding her future in the sport. Her father’s confidence in her longevity, provided she remains injury-free, is shared by many in the badminton community. With Sridhar at the helm, Sindhu is poised to regain her competitive edge and make a strong comeback in the international badminton scene.
In the broader context of Indian badminton, the appointment of Anup Sridhar as Sindhu’s coach is a positive step towards nurturing talent and ensuring the country’s continued success in the sport. As India looks to the future, with young talents like the 13-year-old badminton prodigy from Odisha being hailed as the next PV Sindhu, the guidance of experienced coaches like Sridhar will be crucial in shaping the next generation of badminton stars.