Sindhu eyes medal at Badminton Worlds after Paris Olympic setback

Photo:Reuters

Indian badminton star Pusarla Venkata Sindhu, one of the most celebrated athletes in the country, has set her eyes on winning a medal at the 2025 Badminton World Championships. The tournament, currently being held in Paris at the Adidas Arena, has once again placed Sindhu in the global spotlight. For the 30-year-old, this return to Paris is far more than just another international event—it is about redemption and finishing what she started a year ago.

A painful Olympic memory

Paris was the stage of heartbreak for Sindhu during the 2024 Olympic Games. Having entered the competition as one of India’s strongest medal contenders, expectations from fans and the sporting community were sky-high. After all, she had already built a proud Olympic legacy—a silver medal at Rio 2016 and a bronze at Tokyo 2020. But the third Olympic campaign did not go her way. Sindhu bowed out in the round of 16, an early exit that left both her and her fans deeply disappointed.

Reflecting on that loss, Sindhu admitted that while it was painful, it taught her important lessons. “It was sad that I couldn’t get the medal, but then you learn a lot. You win some and you lose some. Playing in three Olympics is in itself an achievement, and Paris was very different compared to Rio and Tokyo. Every tournament teaches you something new,” she said.

A decorated world champion

Sindhu’s record at the Badminton World Championships is one of the most remarkable in modern badminton. She is the only Indian to win five medals at the event:

* Gold in 2019 (Basel, Switzerland)

* Silver in 2017 and 2018

* Bronze in 2013 and 2014

This incredible achievement makes her one of the most successful players in the history of the championships. For Indian sports, Sindhu has become more than just a champion—she is a trailblazer who has consistently raised the profile of badminton worldwide.

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Strong start in Paris

In her opening match at this year’s tournament, Sindhu faced Bulgarian teenager Kaloyana Nalbantova. The first game was tight, with Sindhu winning 23-21 after being pushed to the limit. She later admitted that the start was challenging as she needed time to adjust to the court conditions and the speed of the shuttle.

However, once she settled into her rhythm, she showed her trademark dominance. The second game was a completely different story—Sindhu crushed her opponent 21-6, wrapping up the match with style. “The first game was very important. Once I understood the court and got into the flow, I played my natural game. The second game was much easier,” Sindhu explained.

Tough road ahead

Despite this confident start, Sindhu’s path to the podium is far from easy. She has been handed a difficult draw, with a possible third-round clash against China’s Wang Zhiyi, the tournament’s second seed and one of the most dangerous players on the circuit. A showdown with Wang will be one of the biggest early battles of the championships, and fans are already buzzing about it.

Sindhu, however, is staying calm. “I don’t want to look too far ahead. For me, it’s about one match at a time. If I stay in my flow, I know I can face anyone,” she said with confidence.

Sindhu’s legacy and India’s hope

Beyond the medals and victories, Sindhu carries the hopes of millions of Indian sports fans. She has been a household name for nearly a decade and is often hailed as India’s “Queen of Badminton.” From inspiring young girls to pick up the racket to pushing Indian badminton into the global spotlight, Sindhu’s influence goes well beyond the court.

Sports experts believe that this World Championship is especially significant for her career. At 30, Sindhu is still in top shape, but the competition is getting younger and tougher. Her ability to blend experience with skill could be her biggest strength. Many believe that winning another medal in Paris would reaffirm her place among the all-time greats of the sport.

Paris: A city of unfinished business

For Sindhu, Paris is not just another tournament venue—it is a city tied to her greatest disappointment and possibly her next triumph. Last year, she walked out of the French capital heartbroken. This time, she has returned determined not to repeat that experience.

Her fans in India and across the world are eagerly watching, knowing that when Sindhu is at her best, she can beat anyone. Whether it is her aggressive smashes, lightning-quick reflexes, or her calmness under pressure, Sindhu has all the tools to rise once again on the world stage.

As the tournament continues, all eyes will remain on her journey. Every match will be closely followed, every rally will be cheered, and every point will be seen as a step toward redemption.

Sindhu herself put it simply: “Hopefully, this time I’ll take back home that medal. I’m really looking forward to it.”