PV Sindhu chooses training with new coach Hafiz over national training camp

The Asian Games is just ringing at the doorsteps of every athlete. Naturally, athletes are gearing up for the big event with intense practice sessions and special camps. One of the main contenders for the medal has been India’s top female shuttler, P.V. Sindhu. The 28-year-old will be gearing up for her third Olympic quest for the coveted medal. However, Sindhu’s performance has not been that convincing in the recent games. The ace Indian shuttler has not been able to reach the finals of the last three major tournaments in which she has competed.

It is also important to note that Sindhu is coming back from an injury in the early part of the year. Naturally, the coaching unit will be sweating for Sindhu to hit her form. The Olympic committee has set up a national camp to improve the chances of athletes in the upcoming Asian Games and the Olympics. However, Sindhu has decided to skip that camp and train with her newly appointed coach Hafiz.

The big decision of the Indian shuttler

PV Sindhu has chosen to skip the national camp for Indian shuttlers going to the Asian Games. On September 5th, the Badminton Association of India announced a mandatory national camp for players headed to Hangzhou. However, there was an exception to be made for those playing BWF World Tour events. The national camp was to take place between September 11 and 24. However, it happened to coincide with the dates of the BWF Super 500 Hong Kong Open. The BAI had made it a ‘mandatory’ camp at the Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy (PGBA).

The former world champion has been granted an exemption by the authorities and will train at the Gachibowli Stadium and Suchitra Academy. Sindhu has had a pretty underwhelming year so far, exiting in the first two rounds of tournaments 10 out of 15 times with only one final appearance at the Spain Masters in April. Following her Round 2 exit at the World Championships last month, Sindhu decided to skip BWF World Tour tournaments and train for the Asian Games. Nevertheless, the 28-year-old is currently taking her time off from the badminton world. She on currently in the United States. Sindhu was invited by technology major Apple at the unveiling of the Made in India iPhone 15.

Saina Nehwal’s support for Sindhu’s decision

Saina Nehwal, the former world no. 1 in a recent Harvest Gold Global Race event supported Sindhu’s decision. “A change of coaches will help if you feel something is not working under some coach. Change of atmosphere also helps sometimes. You need to try it out. What I felt at that point in time was that at the end of my career, I should not feel bad that I didn’t try something new. I should not have that regret.”

The following words of encouragement will definitely come in handy when it comes to the tough battles that she has to undertake ahead. Sindhu has had a disappointing 2023 after a comeback from an injury in January. The shuttler has had multiple first-round exits, and it remains to be seen if she can go back to her old self at the upcoming Asian Games.

Read more badminton news over here:

1. Badminton Association of India gears up for Asiad 2023 with national camp
2. Badminton at Asian Games: Meet the Indian medalists and the 2023 squad
3. Badminton Stats: South Korean shuttlers who have won the Japan Open
4. Badminton Stats: Danish players who have won the Korea Open

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