EXCLUSIVE | ‘In case your physique helps you… ‘: Saina Nehwal on PV Sindhu’s possibilities at 2028 Los Angeles Olympics | Paris Olympics 2024 Information

NEW DELHI: Amongst Indian athletes, badminton queen PV Sindhu was a outstanding medal contender heading into the Paris Olympics. Having beforehand gained a silver on the Rio Video games and a bronze on the Tokyo Video games, Sindhu was anticipated to safe a podium end and change into the primary Indian athlete to win three particular person Olympic medals.
Nonetheless, issues didn’t go as deliberate.The 29-year-old shuttler reached the Spherical of 16 however was defeated by China’s He Bingjiao in straight video games, 21-19, 21-14.
Will Sindhu make a powerful comeback on the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028? She will probably be 33 when the Video games start.
India’s 2012 London Olympics bronze medalist Saina Nehwal believes Sindhu’s future efficiency will largely rely upon her health.

“Sindhu performed effectively. Bingjiao was a little bit higher. It’s not simply concerning the need or the need to play; it’s about how your physique will help you as you get older. In case your physique helps you, you possibly can play for so long as you need,” Nehwal advised TimesofIndia.com in an unique interview.
Sindhu and Nehwal are the one Indian badminton gamers to have gained Olympic medals (one silver and two bronze).
Lakshya Sen got here near securing a medal in Paris however misplaced a tricky bronze medal match towards Malaysia’s Lee Zii Jia.
“Sindhu and I carried out effectively for a few years and did our greatest to popularise badminton in India. We undoubtedly see extra younger boys (like Lakshya Sen) developing and doing effectively. Nonetheless, progress on the ladies’ facet is taking a while, however I consider we’ll see extra gamers rising sooner or later who can obtain success,” Nehwal stated.
FOURTH-PLACE FINISH ‘PAINFUL’
Regardless of India’s six medals in Paris, falling wanting the Tokyo Video games’ tally of seven, many athletes got here agonizingly near profitable medals.
Shooter Manu Bhaker completed fourth in 25m Pistol, Arjun Babuta was fourth in 10m Air Rifle, archers Dhiraj and Ankita completed fourth within the blended workforce occasion, Anant Jeet and Maheshwari have been fourth within the skeet blended workforce occasion, Lakshya Sen misplaced the bronze medal match, and Mirabai Chanu additionally completed fourth in weightlifting.

Nehwal described these fourth-place finishes as ‘painful’ however praised Manu for profitable two medals on the Paris Video games.
“Lacking out on a medal is unquestionably disappointing, however as athletes, it is our job to get again to coaching and sit up for the following Olympics. I do know it’s painful since you put together for 4 years, and generally luck isn’t in your facet. It’s undoubtedly robust, however we now have to work arduous and check out once more,” Nehwal stated.
“I met Manu in January this 12 months, and he or she was fairly certain she would win a medal this time. She achieved that, so hats off to her confidence and preparation. I can solely congratulate her on the medals and hope she will add yet one more to her tally in future Olympics,” she stated.

Nehwal additionally supported offering medal-winning athletes with authorities/company jobs for monetary stability and safety.
“Help from corporates by job alternatives helps maintain budding expertise of their careers, so that they don’t have to fret about making a residing. I’m proud to be employed by BPCL, which has a historical past of nurturing expertise and has inducted over 200 sportspersons throughout numerous disciplines,” Nehwal stated.
On BPCL’s help for sportspersons, an organization spokesperson added, “Per BPCL’s philosophy of nurturing and inspiring our nation’s sporting expertise, we now have taken on board over 200 sportspersons throughout numerous disciplines through the years. Our help helps construct their confidence and serves as a springboard for his or her aspirations.”