On Thursday, 30-year-old PV Sindhu stunned the sporting world by defeating China’s Wang Zhi Yi 21-17, 21-15 in a dominant display at the BWF World Championships. The match, which lasted 48 minutes, took place at the Adidas Arena in Paris and marked Sindhu’s return to the championship quarter-finals for the first time since 2021.
Ranked 15th globally, Sindhu was the clear underdog against the second-seeded Wang, a player who had enjoyed a breakthrough season with a China Open triumph and multiple final appearances. Despite this, Sindhu played with remarkable confidence and aggression, winning the crucial points when it mattered and extending her unbeaten record against Chinese players at the World Championships to 8-0.
A Masterclass in Tactical Brilliance
Sindhu’s game was marked by a mix of intelligent shot selection and relentless attacking. She jumped out to a 7-3 lead early in the first game and kept up the pressure through precise net play and powerful smashes. Coach Irwansyah was seen engaging in animated mid-game talks with her, helping maintain calm and focus.
Though Wang rallied to lead 19-17 in the first game, Sindhu responded superbly with four consecutive points to clinch the opener. In the second game, Sindhu’s stamina and sharp cross-court drops kept her opponent at bay, while her decisive overhead smashes sealed the win. Sindhu’s fiery roars after key points highlighted her emotional investment and competitive spirit throughout the match.
Context: A Season of Challenges, A Comeback in Paris
This victory represents a significant turnaround for Sindhu, who had struggled earlier this season with early exits and injury concerns. Her resurgence here at the World Championships echoes her peak form seen during her Olympic silver in Rio and her 2019 World Championship gold.
Besides Sindhu, Indian shuttlers Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto also progressed to the mixed doubles quarter-finals, underscoring India’s growing badminton prowess on the global stage. Sindhu will now face ninth seed Putri Kusuma Wardani of Indonesia in the quarter-finals, a player she has already had success against in past encounters.
The Logical Indian’s Take
PV Sindhu’s return to form is a testament to the power of perseverance and self-belief, especially in the face of setbacks and scrutiny. Her journey highlights not only individual resilience but also the importance of nurturing sporting talent with continued support, better facilities, and mental health awareness.
At a time when national athletes often face immense pressure and fluctuating public expectations, Sindhu’s example reminds us that success is a process built on dedication, patience, and empathy.
