Former Indian player Parupalli Kashyap recently referred to PV Sindhu as an 'underdog' for the 2024 Paris Olympics, which feels like a strange title for a double Olympic medalist. However, Sindhu still commands immense respect in the badminton community, and her history of success in big tournaments makes her a dangerous opponent. Her road to the Paris Games has been grueling, especially as she works to get her game back on track after recovering from a knee injury in February, aiming for a rare third straight Olympic medal.
Former India shuttler Parupalli Kashyap recently described PV Sindhu as an “underdog” in the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics, which is an unusual moniker for the two-time Olympic medalist. Despite this, Sindhu’s name continues to carry tremendous weight in the badminton world, as her strong reputation and big-match credentials make her a tough opponent. As she strives for an unprecedented third consecutive Olympic medal, Sindhu’s path to Paris has been difficult, particularly as she continues to find her best form after recovering from a knee injury suffered in February.
Sindhu's tenacity and years of competing at the highest level have made her a household name across India. While her recent form might not mirror the dominance of her prime, she has a proven ability to deliver under pressure.
The Paris Olympics will be a significant challenge for Sindhu as she works through the physical and mental hurdles that have slowed her down recently. Her competitors will undoubtedly be careful, recognizing that her skill and veteran experience can change the outcome of any game.
Kashyap mentioned in a recent interview that even when she isn't playing her best, opponents in major championships still feel a sense of nervousness around her. Given the landscape of women's singles over the past two years, he views her as a dark horse and an underdog.
The 2014 Commonwealth Games champion added that while there are four clear favorites to reach the podium in the women's singles, they likely feel tense about a potential clash with Sindhu. He noted that she is a 'big-match player' whose specific style of play is perfectly suited for the pressure of major events.
Kashyap concluded by highlighting her aggressive attacking style and strong physical conditioning. Since the Tokyo 2021 Games, Sindhu's achievements include a gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and a win at the Singapore Open Super 500, though her progress was interrupted by a left ankle injury in Birmingham that sidelined her for half a year.
Upon her return to the court, she found it difficult to find her rhythm, suffering a string of seven early exits in the first round of various tournaments.
Despite reaching the finals of the 2023 Spain Masters, Sindhu was hit by another setback—a knee injury in October of last year. She made her comeback in February, but consistent success has been elusive, with a second-place finish at the Malaysia Masters and a few quarterfinal appearances being the main highlights.