How a cryptic Virat Kohli comment sparked PV Sindhu's revival

PV Sindhu's return to the winner's circle at the Japan Open was not just a triumph of skill but of mindset. The double Olympic medallist revealed that a cryptic remark from cricket icon Virat Kohli played a pivotal role in breaking her mental block.

Sindhu had been struggling for form over the past year, failing to cross the quarterfinal hurdle in multiple tournaments. The Japan Open victory, her first BWF World Tour Super 750 title since 2022, marks a significant revival.

The Kohli connection

Speaking after the final, Sindhu disclosed that she had a brief interaction with Kohli a few weeks ago. The former Indian cricket captain, known for his intense fitness and mental discipline, offered a piece of advice that stayed with her.

“He said something very simple but it hit me hard. He said, ‘You have won everything. Now just enjoy the game like a child again.’ It wasn’t about technique or strategy. It was about letting go of the pressure I was putting on myself,” Sindhu recalled.

The remark, though cryptic in its simplicity, triggered a shift in her approach. Instead of obsessing over results, she focused on the joy of competing. The result was a composed, aggressive performance throughout the Japan Open campaign.

Overcoming recent ordeals

The win was deeply emotional for Sindhu, who has faced a series of setbacks in recent months. She acknowledged the challenges publicly after the match.

“Coming back to win after all the recent ordeals mean a lot,” she said. While she did not elaborate on the specific nature of those ordeals, sources close to the player indicated that she had been dealing with a minor injury and personal family concerns.

Fellow shuttler Saina Nehwal was among the first to congratulate her. “You can never write a champion off,” Saina said on social media, praising Sindhu’s resilience.

A historic win for Indian badminton

The Governor of the state also extended his congratulations to Sindhu for her historic victory. The Japan Open is one of the most prestigious events on the BWF calendar, and Sindhu’s win reinforces India’s standing in world badminton.

Sindhu’s victory is also a morale booster for the Indian contingent ahead of the Asian Games. It signals that the champion, who had appeared to be in a slump, is far from finished.

What lies ahead

Sindhu now shifts focus to the upcoming World Championships, where she will be seeded but not the favourite. However, with her mental block seemingly lifted and a renewed sense of purpose, she will be a dangerous opponent for any contender.

The badminton world will watch closely to see if this Japan Open title marks the beginning of a second wind in Sindhu’s already glittering career.