19 tournaments and five finals. 2018 would be a notable year for any badminton player on the circuit, but with five runner-up finishes, PV Sindhu has had mixed season; especially when it comes after seasons in which she won Olympic medals and claimed the Number 1 rank in the world.
There have been many firsts for Sindhu this year, like the World Championship silver that propelled her to become the first Indian to win four World medals, and the Asian Games silver which ensured that she became the first Indian to reach an Asiad final.
So, what does the champion have to say about her 2018 season? The Quint caught up with PV Sindhu to discuss the past and the year ahead.
Sindhu, every year seems to bring with it a new high. Five finals is indeed a big feat. How would you rate your 2018 season?
It's been a good year for me because I’ve had good results. Yes, maybe I lost in the finals but I would say that when it comes to the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and the World Championships, they have been really good. I have another two tournaments – the Super Series Finals and the PBL – so I hope I do well in those as well.
Were they five finals lost or would you rather remember them as five silvers won?
I would not say I lost in the finals. I would definitely say I got a silver. I am very happy with my performances. Maybe you lose some and you win some, it is all part of the game and a part of life. You always have to take it in a positive way. I would definitely sum up by saying it has been a very good year for me.
In a career graph that only shot up each year, 2018 has been a bit of an aberration without a title. Many have said that it’s a mental block. Do you agree? Any message to the critics?
Everyone has a different thinking. I would not say they are wrong from their perspective but when it comes to me, it happens, you win some and you lose some. You have to be satisfied that you have given your 100 percent.
Every time I go onto the court, it is not possible that I win. For them, I would definitely work hard and try to win. But even they should understand that sometimes we might play brilliantly or sometimes, it might not be our day. Still, we always give our 100 percent.
One out of the five finals that you think you should have won?
Maybe the World Championships. Yes, I would say the World Championships.
The Premier Badminton League starts on 22 December with a Sindhu vs Marin match. This season you’re also playing for your home franchise, Hyderabad Hunters, for the first time. Are you excited?
(I am) Definitely happy that I am with the Hyderabad Hunters. It’s always fun and there’s the home ground advantage as well. In a few days, people will start asking me for tickets since I am now with the Hyderabad team.
It is good that this time I am playing against Marin in the opening match. Maybe it will be a repeat of the Olympic finals again. I think it’s going be a really good match and everybody is going to enjoy it.
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