Bengaluru, June 27: Blistering aggression has given way to stamina-testing rallies in women’s singles badminton, says ace Indian shuttler P V Sindhu, who is reinventing her game to keep pace with the evolving tempo while navigating a challenging lean phase.This year has been far from ideal for the two-time Olympic-medallist. She has endured four first-round exits and three second-round losses, with a lone quarterfinal appearance at the India Open in January being a rare bright spot.
“The women’s singles (competition) has completely changed. Initially it was more of attack and fast rallies; it has become much more defensive with long rallies and long matches,” Sindhu told a select group of reporters at the Sports Authority of India Centre here.
We have been working on that, especially in terms of being more patient to continue that rally and keep the shuttle in the court for a longer period of time. Because we have to make changes every time the game changes.
“As an athlete I have been changing my game, it might take time but it’s important to do it every time,” she added.
The former world champion, currently training under Indonesian coach Irwansyah Adi Pratama for close to six months, is making subtle yet significant adjustments to her game.
“Back then I used to attack but now every athlete is good in their defence. We are working on how patient I need to be to maintain the rally let’s say 30 strokes or 40 strokes.
“I need to keep a check on my physical fitness, endurance. Because I need to withstand the court for a very long period. So, that way we have been working on these changes and it’s good that Irwansyah has come and is training me.”