P.V. Sindhu is delighted that she became the first Indian ever to win the junior Asian badminton championship girls’ title in Korea recently.
“I won a bronze medal last time in this championship. So winning the gold is a special feeling. I dedicate this to my coach and mentor P. Gopi Chand and to my parents,” Sindhu said in a chat with The Hindu at Gopi Chand’s academy on her return to Hyderabad.
The 17-year-old shuttler said her victory was possible largely due to an intensive training programme he chalked out recently.
The young champion feels she has to improve her strokes and endurance levels, even as she is happy with the way her smashes are working.
Sindhu, sponsored by Olympic Gold Quest, pointed out that of late she had been engaged in matches lasting more than an hour, and said she would work on staying focused and fit during such encounters.
“I am also grateful to the support staff like Anil, Rajendera and Siyadutt for helping me stay in the best frame of mind ahead of the big events,” Sindhu said.
“I am also thankful to my parents, who travel about 50km daily to take me for training,” she said.
Gopi Chand said the title should do Sindhu a world of good.
“She has the talent, is willing to learn and works really hard. These traits should take her a long way.”
