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Shouldn’t expect much at the Asian Games from low on confidence PV Sindhu: Vimal Kumar | undefined News – Times of India

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Former India coach Vimal Kumar suggests that PV Sindhu‘s confidence has taken a hit due to her repeated failures in tournaments this season, and it might be unreasonable to have high expectations from the double Olympic medallist at the upcoming Asian Games.
Sindhu has faced significant challenges since her return from a five-month hiatus following an ankle injury she sustained on her way to winning the Commonwealth Games gold last August.
In her quest to reverse this downward trend, the 28-year-old sought the guidance of the legendary Prakash Padukone and recently underwent training at the renowned 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),” Vimal, who is the director of the PPBA, told PTI.
“She is at the moment low on confidence and she has some work to do. We shouldn’t expect much from her at the Asian Games,” he added.
The reigning 2019 world champion has faced first-round exits on seven occasions in BWF tour events throughout this year.
Her noteworthy achievements in the current season include reaching the semifinals at the Canada Open, as well as securing two quarterfinal finishes in the US Open super 300 and the Australian Open super 500.
Plagued by a string of underwhelming performances, Sindhu had conceded that the quarterfinal loss at the US Open had “a significant emotional impact” on her.
“This loss has left a significant emotional impact on me, especially considering the challenging and demanding year I’ve had. It’s disheartening to experience a disappointing defeat after each successful tournament,” she wrote on ‘X’ in July.
Having closely observed the shuttler during her one-week training period, Vimal believes that Sindhu may need to implement certain technical adjustments in her game. It is anticipated that it will take some time for her to rediscover her top 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 opted to withdraw from the China Open Super 1000 and the Hong Kong Open Super 500. This decision allows her to concentrate on the forthcoming multi-sport event set to commence on September 23.
During her training session at the PPBA last week, Sindhu was accompanied by her personal coach, Hafiz Hashim from Malaysia.
“The last week has been a good change for her. She had a good experience of learning from Mr Prakash Padukone. He was very kind to be there and watch her practice session,” Sindhu’s father PV Ramana, who had won a bronze medal as part of the Indian Volleyball team in the 1986 Asian Games, said.
“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, all players have their own strategy.”
This juncture in Sindhu’s career holds immense significance as she currently ranks 14th globally, and the Olympic qualification period for the 2024 Games officially commenced on May 1.
Back in February, the player from Hyderabad made a significant coaching change by parting ways with her Korean coach, Park Tae-Sang, who played a pivotal role in her securing the bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics.
Following her departure from Park’s tutelage, Sindhu briefly collaborated with SAI coach Vidhi Chaudhary before enlisting the services of Hafiz in preparation for the Olympics.



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