Friday, 04 June 2021 | PTI | New Delhi
India’s top shuttler P V Sindhu says she is working to acquire new skills and techniques to surprise her rivals, who are at the same level with distinct playing styles, at the upcoming Tokyo Olympics.
The Rio Olympics Silver medallist and world champion feels the coronavirus pandemic-induced break has given her the much-needed time to rectify mistakes in her game and add something new to her repertoire.
Her nemesis and reigning champion, Carolina Marin, will not be there due to a knee injury, but Sindhu knows the field still remains tough.
“In women’s circuit the players in top-10 are of same standard. You can’t take it easy, if one player is not there,” the world number seven, said in a virtual interaction.
“There is Tai Tzu Ying, Ratchanok Intanon, (Nozomi) Okuhara and (Akane) Yamaguchi. They are all good players. You can’t say, it will be easy if one player is missing. I can’t relax and need to be focussed and give my best,” the 25-year-old said.
Sindhu had lost the 2016 Olympics final and 2017 World Championship summit clash to Marin.
“There are a couple of tricky players like Ratchanok, she is very skilful. We have to look after them.
“For me, it’s a very good time to improve my technique and skill. I have improved. It’s good that I have got so much time. Usually we don’t get time to rectify mistakes or learn new skills. “It takes time. So this was the time and I am using it. I hope, in the Olympics, there will be some new techniques and skills.”
Asked about her own strong points that may give her advantage over others, Sindhu said her game is always about relentless attacks. “Attack is my strong point. The rivals know my game so I am working on my defence as well. I am tall, so my attack is good. I have to be prepared for all strokes, for everything,” she said.
