Excited to be flag-bearer at Tokyo, says PV Sindhu

“It is a proud moment to be the flag-bearer for the country in the Olympics. I am really excited as you will not get that opportunity again. This is the opportunity where you will be there,’’ said Sindhu

Hyderabad: It is every athlete’s dream to participate in Olympics. Winning a medal is like reaching the pinnacle – the ultimate dream. So when you get the honour to be the flag-bearer of your country in the opening day’s ceremony of the Olympics it is a rare achievement. For PV Sindhu it will be a moment to reckon with when she leads the Indian contingent on July 23 in Tokyo. She is all excited.

`Being a flag-bearer is a proud moment altogether. To think that you would be carrying the tri-colour and lead the Indian contingent at the opening ceremony is huge. I am thrilled and excited because that sort of opportunity is rare… it’s a huge honour. I am looking forward to,’’ said the Rio Olympics silver medallist on Saturday.

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Speaking at the TedxYouth Virtual event hosted by Suchitra Academy, Sindhu admitted this Olympics is different compared to the 2016 Games. “This Olympics will be very definitely different compared to 2016. It’s also where pressure is higher and the responsibilities are a lot more because back in Rio it was different. Now, everyone wants Sindhu to get a medal wherever she plays, so yes, there is pressure and we have to deal with it. At the end of the day, Olympics is Olympics, right up there. We have to be prepared for everything and anything. But when you go into a match you have to stay focussed be calm and composed and give your best.’’

The practice sessions are also different as she is training at Sports Authority of Telangana State (SATS) Indoor Stadium instead at Pullela Gopichand Academy. Olympics preparations are really going on well. I have been playing at the Gachibowli Stadium, which is of international standard, since February. It is the same as the one in Tokyo where the badminton events will be held — it has come in hand to get myself used to the air-conditioning and the flight of the shuttle.’’

Sindhu stated that she is grateful to the Suchitra Academy for giving some sparring partners. “I play one against one, one against two or three. It all depends on my coach,’’ she said.

The world champion added that there will be a lot of emotions while playing for the country, particularly in the Olympics. “Emotionally attached since the entire country is showing its support and wanting me to get that medal. I am really looking forward to doing it.’’

She said she will be leaving for Tokyo on July 17. “We have to be in the sports village five days before the competition as per the Covid-19 protocols.’’

Before concluding the meet, she said she would aim for the gold. “Yes, that is my priority.’’
It is every athlete’s dream to participate in Olympics. Winning a medal is like reaching the pinnacle – the ultimate dream. So when you get the honour to be the flag-bearer of your country in the opening day’s ceremony of the Olympics it is a rare achievement. For PV Sindhu it will be a moment to reckon with when she leads the Indian contingent on July 23 in Tokyo. She is all excited.

`Being a flag-bearer is a proud moment altogether. To think that you would be carrying the tri-colour and lead the Indian contingent at the opening ceremony is huge. I am thrilled and excited because that sort of opportunity is rare… it’s a huge honour. I am looking forward to,’’ said the Rio Olympics silver medallist on Saturday.

Speaking at the TedxYouth Virtual event hosted by Suchitra Academy, Sindhu admitted this Olympics is different compared to the 2016 Games. “This Olympics will be very definitely different compared to 2016. It’s also where pressure is higher and the responsibilities are a lot more because back in Rio it was different. Now, everyone wants Sindhu to get a medal wherever she plays, so yes, there is pressure and we have to deal with it. At the end of the day, Olympics is Olympics, right up there. We have to be prepared for everything and anything. But when you go into a match you have to stay focussed be calm and composed and give your best.’’

The practice sessions are also different as she is training at Sports Authority of Telangana State (SATS) Indoor Stadium instead at Pullela Gopichand Academy. Olympics preparations are really going on well. I have been playing at the Gachibowli Stadium, which is of international standard, since February. It is the same as the one in Tokyo where the badminton events will be held — it has come in hand to get myself used to the air-conditioning and the flight of the shuttle.’’

Sindhu stated that she is grateful to the Suchitra Academy for giving some sparring partners. “I play one against one, one against two or three. It all depends on my coach,’’ she said.

The world champion added that there will be a lot of emotions while playing for the country, particularly in the Olympics. “Emotionally attached since the entire country is showing its support and wanting me to get that medal. I am really looking forward to doing it.’’

She said she will be leaving for Tokyo on July 17. “We have to be in the sports village five days before the competition as per the Covid-19 protocols.’’

Before concluding the meet, she said she would aim for the gold. “Yes, that is my priority.’’