I have to be at my best, says Rio silver medallist Sindhu

“It (World Championship next month) is a big event. I am looking forward to it and working hard for the tournament. It is not going to be easy, I have to be at my best,” Sindhu said. 

Having stolen the thunder from Saina Nehwal following her exploits in the Rio Games, Sindhu has since won two Super Series titles (Indian Open and China Open) but is aware that the achievements come with a bigger responsibility. 

“Of course, life has changed after Rio. Winning a silver medal was a huge moment for me. It has come with a lot of responsibilities. I am expected to win (more) these days. I have to work hard and keep doing well in the tournaments ahead,” she said. 

“I am lucky to have got to work with a coach like Gopi Sir (P Gopichand). I have been associated with him for several years. Me and the other players have to be thankful to him, for his guidance,” the ace shuttler said when asked about Gopichand’s role in her development.

India batsman Cheteshwar Pujara enjoyed his county stint with Nottinghamshire and says he would love to play in England again. 

“It was great to be associated with Nottinghamshire. I enjoyed playing on wickets in England in challenging conditions. Facing fast bowlers/seamers there is a different experience when compared to playing in India. I am happy that I was able to cope well and score runs,” he told reporters on the sidelines of a promotional event here. 

“I would love to play in the English County season again, if and when the chance comes,” he added. “During the county stint, I got to spend time with English players Stuart Broad and Samit Patel (who both play for Nottinghamshire) and former England coach Peter Moores. 

“I discussed playing on different kinds of pitches and learnt about life on the county circuit,” Pujara, who scored 233 runs from five innings, said. This was his third county stint, after having previously played for Yorkshire and Derbyshire.