10 Lesser Known Facts About PV Sindhu

Pusarla Venkata Sindhu, or simply PV Sindhu, is a name synonymous with Indian badminton excellence. Her towering presence on the court and aggressive playing style have won her fans across the globe. But beyond the medals and the spotlight, there is an incredible story of grit and determination.

Who is PV Sindhu?

PV Sindhu is a professional Indian badminton player. She is the first Indian woman to win an Olympic silver medal and the first Indian to become the Badminton World Champion.

How many Olympic medals does PV Sindhu have?

She has two Olympic medals. She won a Silver medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics and a Bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, making her the first Indian woman to win two consecutive Olympic medals.

Who was PV Sindhu's coach during her rise?

The legendary Pullela Gopichand was Sindhu's primary coach for the majority of her early career and during her historic 2016 Olympic silver medal run. She trained at the Gopichand Badminton Academy in Hyderabad.

What is PV Sindhu's highest world ranking?

PV Sindhu achieved her career-high world ranking of No. 2 in April 2017.

Why is PV Sindhu so famous in India?

Apart from her historic Olympic and World Championship victories, Sindhu's work ethic and humility have made her a massive youth icon. She single-handedly popularized women's badminton in India to a level previously unseen.

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10 Lesser Known Facts About PV Sindhu

Here are 10 fascinating facts about this sporting icon that you probably didn't know:

1. Volleyball Roots

Sports runs in her blood, but not badminton! Both of Sindhu's parents, P. V. Ramana and P. Vijaya, were national-level volleyball players. Her father was even a member of the Indian team that won the bronze medal at the 1986 Seoul Asian Games.

2. Inspired by Gopichand

Despite her parents' volleyball background, Sindhu chose badminton after drawing inspiration from the success of Pullela Gopichand, the 2001 All England Open Badminton Champion.

3. Early Starts and Long Commutes

Dedication started early. For years, Sindhu traveled 56 kilometers every single day from her residence to the Gopichand Badminton Academy to report for training at 4:15 AM sharp.

4. A Strict Phone Ban

In the months leading up to the 2016 Rio Olympics, coach Gopichand confiscated Sindhu's phone. She spent three months completely isolated from social media and distractions to focus entirely on her training.

5. Ice Cream Deprivation

Sindhu has a massive sweet tooth and absolutely loves ice cream. However, during the intense training periods before major tournaments, she is strictly forbidden from eating it. After winning her Olympic silver, coach Gopichand famously told her, "Now you can eat all the ice cream you want."

[!NOTE] Sindhu's dedication to her diet and fitness regime is a primary reason for her incredible stamina during long, grueling rallies.

6. The 2013 Breakthrough

Long before the Olympics, Sindhu made history in 2013 when she became the first Indian women's singles player to win a medal at the Badminton World Championships (she won bronze).

7. Highest-Paid Female Athlete

Sindhu’s on-court success translates to massive off-court appeal. She regularly features on Forbes' list of Highest-Paid Female Athletes in the World, rubbing shoulders with global tennis stars.

8. Appointed as Deputy Collector

In recognition of her achievements and to secure her future, the Government of Andhra Pradesh appointed PV Sindhu as a Deputy Collector (a Group-I officer rank) in 2017.

9. She Loves Swimming

When she isn't smashing shuttlecocks, Sindhu loves to swim. She considers it her favorite recreational activity and an excellent way to recover after intense training sessions.

10. The Ultimate Big Match Player

Sindhu has an extraordinary record at major tournaments. While she might not win every Super Series event during the regular season, she always peaks at the right time, consistently winning medals at the Olympics, World Championships, Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games.

Conclusion PV Sindhu is a testament to what hard work, discipline, and the right mentorship can achieve. She remains an eternal inspiration for millions of aspiring athletes across India and the world.