I still have a long way to go: PV Sindhu

She was a fierce champion on court. In person, P V Sindhu, the first Indian shuttler to win an Olympic silver medal, seems the regular, bubbly 21-year-old — though life has changed considerably for her. And it’s not just the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, or the cash rewards of Rs 13.5 crore, the countless other gifts or the brands making a beeline to sign her on, that constitute the change. 

“It was my dream (to win an Olympic medal) and it has come true,” Sindhu says, putting it simply. “Celebrities like Rajinikanth and Amitabh Bachchan tweeted about me – things I never thought could happen. My life isn’t the same anymore. People across the country recognise me and consider me as one of their own. It’s overwhelming. But I realise that there are more responsibilities, and I need to stay focused. This is just the beginning, and I still have a long way to go,” she says with disarming humility. She is not content with the silver she brought home and is well aware of the added responsibility of living up to her newfound stature.  

“The courier guys have been complaining a lot though. We’re still being flooded with congratulatory messages. We received close to 5,000 letters within two days of her win. We might have to get a separate post office for her,” says PV Ramana, her proud father, a volleyball veteran and Arjuna awardee himself. 

Another marked, yet seamless, transformation that hasn’t gone unnoticed is Sindhu’s wardrobe. From donning Manish Malhotra’s traditional outfits to sporting Naushad Ali’s avant-garde designs, her fashion game, just like badminton, is also totally on point. Donning an elegant pink-and-white anarkali with panache and standing tall at 5’11, Sindhu, who is also the captain of the Chennai Smashers Indian Premier Badminton League team, says, “I’ve always loved fashion and shopping. But now, there is this added pressure of being photographed. So, it is also important to look good. I’ve been working with stylist Shravya Varma, who also styles Trisha. I initially had a bit of trouble slipping into dresses and I forget to wear my jewellery at times, but I’m getting the hang of it.” 

Her work ethic, however, remains unchanged and Sindhu says she will be training from as early as 4.30 am at the Gopichand Academy, as always. “I will be there at the same time, because I am used to that time. We will stick to the same schedule. There are many tournaments coming up — the ($1 million) Dubai World Super Series finals (from December 14-18); and before that, the Denmark Open and French Open. I’m not resting before I reach where I have to, the World no. 1,” she signs off.