When Sindhu gave a scare with ankle injury

“It was a well-guarded secret. There was cause of concern as we could not take risk of any medication before the Olympics. Luckily, the physio did a marvelous job with ice treatment,’’ said Pradeep Raju of the Suchitra Academy.

Hyderabad: The Suchitra Academy in Medchal has been the second home for Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist PV Sindhu ever since Covid-19 pandemic broke last year. The Academy played a huge role in Sindhu’s Mission Tokyo. There was also a much guarded secret how Sindhu badly twisted her ankle some 25 days before the Olympics.

“It was a well-guarded secret. There was cause of concern as we could not take risk of any medication before the Olympics. Luckily, the physio did a marvelous job with ice treatment,’’ said Pradeep Raju of the Suchitra Academy.

Pradeep said the Covid-19 pandemic was one of the difficult times for Sindhu. “But Sindhu decided to stay at the academy and train. Many didn’t know that she stayed at Suchitra Academy from Monday to Friday during the pandemic. She would go to her house on Saturdays and Sundays. This was the time when she started painting as stress-busters. She had that hidden talent. The dieticians, strength and Conditioning coach and physios were all in attendance. We made sure that Sindhu would get the best facilities. When the Covid-19 rules were relaxed coach Park Tae-sang came to the academy to train here after government’s permission. In fact, till the National camp started she trained here.

Pradeep said Sindhu is a big tournament player. “She is a player. Her eyes and ears open like an antenna when the Olympics, Asian Games or World Championships are held. That is hallmark of a great player.’’

On Sindhu’s father PV Ramana, Pradeep said he looks for perfection for his daughter. “He would go to any extent. He does a meticulous job. He goes by instinct and feels whatever is good for Sindhu, he will go to the full extent. That shows the passion for his daughter’s game.’’

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