CWG-2018: Sindhu hopes to regain fitness to lead India's medal-rush
What's the story
Struck by an ankle-sprain prior to the Commonwealth Games, Olympic silver medalist PV Sindhu hoped to regain peak fitness before the start of individual events and assured India will return with multiple medals. The shuttler suffered a sprain on her right-ankle while practicing at the Gopichand Academy on Tuesday but scans showed no injury to the bone/ligament, much to the relief of Indian contingent.
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Sindhu hopes she will be completely fit before CWG 2018
"Preparation-wise everything has been going on well for me. Unfortunately, I sprained my ankle a bit, but I think I should be fine by the time the games starts, I hope I will be completely fit by then," the 22-year-old shuttler said.
Bronze medal
Sindhu won bronze medal in last CWG
Four years ago, Sindhu hoped of retaining the women's singles gold that Saina Nehwal won for India for the first time in 2010 Delhi-edition. However, she settled for bronze after losing in semi-finals to Canada's Michelle Li. "This time I want to give my best. I can't tell a particular number but definitely we will get a lot of medals this time," she said.
Glasgow CWG
Sindhu became a first-Indian to win medal at Glasgow CWG
At Glasgow CWG, Sindhu had entered the tournament as an 18-year-old who had become the first Indian woman to win a medal at the world championship. Though she settled for bronze, she went on to add another bronze at the 2014 Copenhagen World Championship. The following year, Sindhu reached the finals at Denmark Open and then clinched her third successive title at Macau Open.
Silver medal
Sindhu won first ever silver medal in Olympics
In 2016, Sindhu clinched India's first silver medal in badminton at Olympics and became the toast of the country with her title at the China Open. She also won the Malaysia Masters early in 2016. Catapulted to the top-echelon of sports, Sindhu continued her run as she clinched the Syed Modi Grand Prix Gold, India Open, and Korea Open in a highly-successful 2017.
Lost games
Sindhu lost titles in Hong Kong, Dubai, India opens
The memory that stayed in minds of badminton-aficionados was the epic 110-minute battle with Japan's Nozomi Okuhara at the GWC-final which ended with a loss for Sindhu, though her grit and fitness were appreciated by all. She lost titles in Hong Kong and Dubai Super Series Final. The jinx continued at India Open this year where she lost in final to USA's Beiwen Zhang.
The game
I have to give my best, says Sindhu
Being the top sportsperson from the country, Sindhu is aware that expectations will be at an all-time high at Gold Coast, but the shuttler just wants to stay fit and give her best without losing sleep over the results. "The responsibilities are high, everyone wants me to win, and I have to give my best and play my game," she said.