PV Sindhu criticises Asian Games badminton scheduling after quarterfinal exit

Ace Indian shuttler PV Sindhu on Sunday criticised the Asian Games badminton schedule after playing three singles matches within 24 hours, saying the cramped timetable did not allow enough time for recovery.

Sindhu played her second-round match on Saturday afternoon before her third-round match ended around 1 am on Sunday. She returned to the court around 1:30 pm on Sunday for her quarterfinal against China's Chen Yufei, which she lost.

“Not really, because the scheduling was not really well organised, is what I feel,” Sindhu said when asked if she had previously played two matches in a day at a major championship.

She said recovery was more important than mental preparation when playing multiple matches in a short period.

“Even though you think you are doing well, physically you might not be able to go there, or you might not be able to play,” she said, adding that players can struggle to move their legs during long rallies when they have not recovered sufficiently.

Indian shuttler Unnati Hooda also criticised the scheduling after her quarterfinal loss, though she said she would not blame the defeat on it.

Sindhu also expressed disappointment over the absence of a player challenge system in her quarterfinal. Hawk-Eye was available only on courts 1 and 2 at Ichinomiya Gymnasium Hall, while her match was played on Court 4.

“There were no cameras here. That was really sad,” Sindhu said, adding that she believed two or three shots had landed on the line. She said quarterfinal matches at the Asian Games should have camera review available.

Asked whether she would compete at the 2030 Asian Games, Sindhu said she would take it one year at a time and focus on staying injury-free. She said she would need to choose tournaments carefully and prioritise taking care of her body.

Sindhu, a two-time Olympic medallist, said her passion and love for sport continued to motivate her.

“I still know that I have it in me. I can do it, and I’m enjoying it,” she said.