Sindhu hoping to take new set of skills to Tokyo

The Rio Olympics silver medallists says there are a lot of tricky players so she has to step up her own game

Hyderabad: The pressure, uncertainty and nervousness over the Covid-19 virus has not distracted PV Sindhu, who has otherwise focused her attention on the July 23-August 8 Tokyo Olympics. It will definitely be a different Olympics in many ways. The usual hustle-bustle of the quadrennial event will be missing because of the unprecedented pandemic. Instead there will be strict bio-bubble, sanitisation, masks and empty stadiums in Tokyo. In fact, it is hard to focus and get motivated under these difficult circumstances. “We have to get used to it,’’ she said with a smile.

The Rio Olympics silver medallist had a word of praise for the support she and other athletes are getting from the Sports Ministry, SAI and TOPS. “For us, as athletes, we don’t face any problem. I think the TOPS, SAI and the government are providing us all the help. The assistance from TOPS is just a phone call away. (Sports Minister) Kiren Rijiju sir also tells me if you need anything let us know.’’

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The 25-year-old world champion, however, said there will always be a different kind of pressure in the Olympics and a lot has changed from the Rio Olympics in 2016 and in this Olympics. “There is different pressure in this Olympics. In Rio, it was my first Olympics. It will be the same and it comes once in four years, this time after five years.’’

Speaking at the virtual press conference, Sindhu said she is hoping to take a new set of techniques and skills with her to Tokyo. “Every player will be coming up with their own game plans and that is reason enough for her to step up her own efforts with newer tactics.’’

The expectations are palpably high but Sindhu said it would be a big responsibility for her to live up to them. “It won’t be easy. There are a lot of good players in the circuit, from Tai Tzu-Ying to Ratchanok Intanon. It’s unfortunate that Carolina Marin won’t be a part of the Games. The thinking process of every player has changed since Rio. There are a lot of tricky players so we have to look out for them and everyone has different styles. I feel I have improved and got a lot of time to focus on my techniques and skills. And you’ll hopefully get to see new techniques and skills from me at the Olympics.’’

There was a lack of match practice because of the absence of tournaments last year. “When I started off this year, it wasn’t too great for me because of the big gap due to lockdown. But I came back and rectified my mistakes. I played in All England and improved on my game. Game-wise I feel I have improved. Attack is my strong point but I’m also focusing a lot on defence. I have to be prepared for all strokes.’’

She asserted there will be no pressure this time. “Yes, 2016 (Rio Olympics) was completely different. Responsibilities are a lot more now. In Tokyo, I just want to go out there and give my 100 percent. I just want to take it day by day. I didn’t know the feel and atmosphere last time as it was my first Olympics. But now I know. Responsibilities and expectations are there.

“Every player will read your game and everyone knows one another’s game. I need to go with different plans and strategies. Everybody is going to come with new skills. I’m doing my strength work in Suchitra academy and get a lot of sparring partners from there. There are a lot of facilities in SATs Indoor Stadium in Gachibowli where I’m training now. It is a good international stadium and I’m making sure I get used to those big stadiums before moving to Tokyo.’’

Sindhu nicely tackled the Pullela Gopichand issue, who was with her in the Rio Olympics, and her training with Korean coach Park Tae Sang now. ”It’s been a year and half since I’ve been training with Park. He is working on my techniques and skills. We are practicing and improving every day. I’m very thankful he’s motivating me all the time. As a coach, he knows what is going on in my head. He has helped me a lot in improving mentally and physically. Experience-wise also I’ve improved a lot.’’

Sindhu clearly hinted that she will continue to train at the Gachibowli stadium even after the Olympics.

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