Bengaluru: P V Sindhu and Lakshya Sen are two of India's brightest medal prospects at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games scheduled to begin on July 26. Both of them have been the torch-bearers of Indian badminton's growth with their phenomenal achievements on the international arena. Although Sindhu has won medals at almost all the major badminton tournaments including an unprecedented double at the Olympics, her quest for the elusive Olympic gold is still on. The 28-year-old became the first Indian woman to claim two Olympic medals after she won a bronze medal in Tokyo, adding to her silver from Rio 2016.
Lakhsya, 22, who won the gold medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, is clearly the one that no contender can afford to take lightly. In a chat with Malayala Manorama, Sindhu and Lakshya reflect on their preparations for the Olympics and the challenges ahead.
Going into the Paris 2024 Summer Games, what are your expectations?
Sindhu: I participate in every competition with the hope of winning a medal for the country. However, sometimes certain things won't fall into place. I'm preparing well to do my best at the Olympics.
Lakshya: My ultimate goal is winning an Olympic medal. The preparations have been really good. I've competed in several tournaments in recent times and I'm confident of doing well in Paris.
Are you worried about your current form?
Sindhu: Every player is bound to go through ups and downs. There are several factors, such as fitness, weather conditions, and the atmosphere at the venue that could have a considerable bearing on one's performance on a given day. If things go as planned, success will follow. Failure does not define you and even if I fail I never lose hope. I will continue to work hard till I succeed and achieve my goal. I'm confident that my efforts will not go in vain.
Do recurring injuries worry you?
Lakshya: Injuries are an athlete's worst nightmare. Currently, I'm under the care of the trainers, including the nutritionist, at the Padukone-Dravid Centre for Sports Excellence. I hope they will help me boost my stamina and endurance.
Can you tell us about your preparations for the Olympics?
Sindhu: I will be travelling to Germany for the final preparations for the Games. I will reach Paris one or two weeks before the Games commences.
Lakshya: I will be flying to Canada to compete in the Canada Open 2024 which begins on July 2. Afterwards, I will travel to France and attend a three-week training camp in Marseille. During the camp, there will be practice matches with players from the Olympic-bound French team.
