New chapter: India's shuttler P. V. Sindhu shows she is still fired up as she clears the opening round of the Malaysian Open. — MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Being married has not changed Indian women’s singles star P. V. Sindhu’s approach to her badminton career.
Sindhu tied the knot with businessman Venkata Datta Sai at the end of 2024.
The 30-year-old though has no intention of slowing down in her career just yet.
"No, I’m not thinking about retirement yet. I’m definitely going to play for the next couple of years," said Sindhu.
"Being married doesn’t change much for me in terms of my career. I’m very lucky to have a husband who is very supportive.
"He doesn’t play sports. He’s a tech guy but he knows a lot more sports than me.
"My parents were sports people, so what else do I need? I have all the motivation and support to keep going."
Sindhu’s hunger is admirable as she has already created history for India multiple times.
She notably captured the world title in 2019 and won silver in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics.
Sindhu also twice claimed silver in the world meet in 2017 and 2018 and won bronze in 2013 and 2014.
Over the past two years though, the world No. 18 has been hampered by injuries and has not reached the same heights.
Despite her struggles and her past achievements, Sindhu has some unfinished business before considering hanging up her racket.
"Definitely, I want to win as many tournaments as I can. Having said that, the World Championships will be held in India this year and I hope to give the home fans a medal," said Sindhu.
"There’s also the Asian Games and I hope to do well there as well.
"More than to prove anything to anyone, it’s the self-satisfaction when I’m playing on court that I can give my best.
Sindhu got off to a strong start in the Malaysian Open after beating Taiwan’s Sung Shuo-yun 21-13, 22-20 at Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil yesterday.
She will next face Japan’s world No. 9 Tomoka Miyazaki.
