Hard work has paid off, says proud dad

 The parents of PV Sindhu, who on Friday became the first ever Indian woman singles player to ensure a medal at the World Badminton Championships, attributed their daughter’s success to hard work and determination.

“We are very happy to see her perform so well. She has reached this level due to her hard work and sheer determination. Her routine of reaching academy for practice at 4 am is delivering wonderful results for her,” Sindhu’s father PV Ramana told PTI here.

Sindhu’s parents were at her academy to watch their daughter take on a Shixian Wang of China for a place in the semifinals. “We are very happy. It is very exciting. We are celebrating the medal,” Ramana said.

“We are at the (Pullela Gopichand Badminton) Academy and all the children here are celebrating the moment,” he added.

Applauding national coach Gopichand, Ramana said the All England Badminton Champion’s dedication is behind Sindhu’s success.

“With chief national coach Gopichand mentoring Sindhu, a bright future is assured for her,” he said.

Meanwhile, accolades have been pouring in for the 18-year-old shuttler’s stupendous show.

Former international Uday Pawar said: “It is a very good news. She is young, very talented and is playing fearless badminton. Beating two Chinese players in a row is
creditable. Hopefully, she not only goes on to reach the finals but also wins the title.”

Pawar pointed out that Sindhu was able to adapt to the conditions better than her compatriots in the ongoing championships and will now have to maintain her speed to go right through.

“To beat two Chinese players takes a lot on the mind and the body. Only concern is how good her physical condition is. At this stage she needs to maintain the same kind of speed that she has been playing at,” Pawar said.