NEW DELHI, Nov 6: Days after giving a mini �heart-attack� to her fans, ace Indian shuttler PV Sindhu says she is totally fit, not just health-wise but also on the badminton court, and is looking forward to competing in the upcoming tournaments. In an exclusive interview with IANS, Sindhu opened up on how she coped up with the Covid-19 induced lockdown, her reaction to the Tokyo Olympics postponement, her preparation for the upcoming Asia Cup, and also her relationship with national badminton coach Pullela Gopichand.
�It was quite difficult to suddenly stop a very active routine. But at the same time we all realised how important it was to pause everything and take care of ourselves,� Sindhu said about the nationwide-lockdown which was first put in place towards March end following the outbreak of novel coronavirus. �I tried to keep myself active by working out at home and that really helped me. I also spent a lot of time with my family and picked up some hobbies like painting,� she added.
However, even during the lockdown, Sindhu stayed active in order to make sure she stayed as fit as possible. �I was not able to play on court, hence it was a bit hard when I started playing. But I think I am now fit on court as well and ready to go.�
The Tokyo Olympics, which were slated to be held in July-August this year, had to be postponed to summer of 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Sindhu, however, revealed that she was prepared for the postponement considering the situation and was thus not surprised by the development.
�With everything that has been happening around the world, it was quite evident that Tokyo Games were going to be postponed and I had already started to prepare mentally.�
The ace shuttler further said that the break has not broken her rhythm in her quest for the elusive Olympic gold.
�I have been preparing myself mentally and physically to compete in 2021. We are not too far away and this is a worldwide scenario, hence every athlete is going through the same and we will all have to adapt, train, and give our best in Tokyo,� Sindhu said.
In September, the reigning world champion had pulled out of Denmark Open. After that, she had agreed to play in the Uber Cup, which was eventually postponed. Now, the next tournament in which she would be competing is the Asian leg of the BWF World Tour.
�I am really looking forward to the tournaments in Asia. I will be back on the court after a long time�. � IANS
