PV Sindhu's confidence low, not a medal favourite at Asian Games: former coach Vimal Kumar

PV Sindhu's repeated failures in tournaments this season have affected her confidence, leading former India coach Vimal Kumar to suggest that not much should be expected from the Indian badminton star at the Asian Games.

The two-time Olympic medalist has struggled since returning from a five-month layoff due to an ankle injury sustained en route to winning the Commonwealth Games gold last August. In an attempt to turn things around, the 28-year-old sought training under the guidance of legendary shuttler Prakash Padukone at his academy, PPBA, in Bengaluru.

"We have been sitting and observing her sessions. Prakash spoke to her and tried to motivate her. We have also interacted with her coach (Muhammad Hafiz Hashim)," said Vimal, who directs PPBA. "At the moment, she is low on confidence, and she has some work to do. We shouldn't expect much from her at the Asian Games," he added.

Sindhu, the 2019 world champion, has experienced seven first-round exits in BWF tour events this year. Her noteworthy performances this season include a semifinal finish at the Canada Open and two quarterfinals at the US Open (super 300) and the Australian Open (super 500).

Plagued by a series of underwhelming performances, Sindhu had previously mentioned the significant emotional impact of her quarterfinal loss at the US Open.

"After each successful tournament, it's disheartening to experience a disappointing defeat," she wrote on 'X' in July.

Having closely observed Sindhu during her week-long training stint, Vimal believes that she needs to make some technical adjustments to her game and that it may take her some time to regain her form.

"She is a big player, and it is important to give her some time; it might take her a few months to regain her touch. There are a few technical aspects where she can make some changes. Some initiatives she needs to take in the technical aspect."

In preparation for the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, Sindhu has withdrawn from the China Open Super 1000 and Hong Kong Open Super 500 to focus on the multi-sport event, which begins on September 23.

Sindhu's personal coach, Malaysian Hafiz Hashim, was also with her during her training at PPBA last week.

"The last week has been a good change for her. She had a good experience of learning from Prakash Padukone. He was very kind to be there and watch her practice session," said Sindhu's father, PV Ramana, a bronze medalist with the Indian Volleyball team at the 1986 Asian Games.

"They have been very supportive and have given her great encouragement. It is good to learn from different coaches; everyone has different views and ways. As a player, she might like to go again; every player has their own strategy."

For world number 14 Sindhu, this is a crucial period in her career, as the Olympic qualification period for the 2024 Games has already started from May 1. In February, Sindhu parted ways with Korean coach Park Tae-Sang, who played a key role in her winning the bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics. Sindhu worked with SAI coach Vidhi Chaudhary for some time before bringing in Hafiz ahead of the Olympics.