EXCLUSIVE | ‘If your body supports you… ‘: Saina Nehwal on PV Sindhu’s chances at 2028 Los Angeles Olympics | Paris Olympics 2024 News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Among Indian athletes, badminton queen PV Sindhu was a prominent medal contender heading into the Paris Olympics. Having previously won a silver at the Rio Games and a bronze at the Tokyo Games, Sindhu was expected to secure a podium finish and become the first Indian athlete to win three individual Olympic medals.
However, things didn’t go as planned.The 29-year-old shuttler reached the Round of 16 but was defeated by China’s He Bingjiao in straight games, 21-19, 21-14.
Will Sindhu make a strong comeback at the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028? She will be 33 when the Games commence.
India’s 2012 London Olympics bronze medalist Saina Nehwal believes Sindhu’s future performance will largely depend on her fitness.

“Sindhu played well. Bingjiao was a little better. It’s not just about the desire or the will to play; it’s about how your body will support you as you grow older. If your body supports you, you can play for as long as you want,” Nehwal told TimesofIndia.com in an exclusive interview.
Sindhu and Nehwal are the only Indian badminton players to have won Olympic medals (one silver and two bronze).
Lakshya Sen came close to securing a medal in Paris but lost a tough bronze medal match against Malaysia’s Lee Zii Jia.
“Sindhu and I performed well for many years and did our best to popularise badminton in India. We definitely see more young boys (like Lakshya Sen) coming up and doing well. However, progress on the girls’ side is taking some time, but I believe we will see more players emerging in the future who can achieve success,” Nehwal said.
FOURTH-PLACE FINISH ‘PAINFUL’
Despite India’s six medals in Paris, falling short of the Tokyo Games’ tally of seven, many athletes came agonizingly close to winning medals.
Shooter Manu Bhaker finished fourth in 25m Pistol, Arjun Babuta was fourth in 10m Air Rifle, archers Dhiraj and Ankita finished fourth in the mixed team event, Anant Jeet and Maheshwari were fourth in the skeet mixed team event, Lakshya Sen lost the bronze medal match, and Mirabai Chanu also finished fourth in weightlifting.

Nehwal described these fourth-place finishes as ‘painful’ but praised Manu for winning two medals at the Paris Games.
“Missing out on a medal is definitely disappointing, but as athletes, it’s our job to get back to training and look forward to the next Olympics. I know it’s painful because you prepare for four years, and sometimes luck isn’t on your side. It’s definitely tough, but we have to work hard and try again,” Nehwal said.
“I met Manu in January this year, and she was quite sure she would win a medal this time. She achieved that, so hats off to her confidence and preparation. I can only congratulate her on the medals and hope she can add one more to her tally in future Olympics,” she said.

Nehwal also supported providing medal-winning athletes with government/corporate jobs for financial stability and security.
“Support from corporates through job opportunities helps sustain budding talent in their careers, so they don’t have to worry about making a living. I’m proud to be employed by BPCL, which has a history of nurturing talent and has inducted over 200 sportspersons across various disciplines,” Nehwal said.
On BPCL’s support for sportspersons, a company spokesperson added, “Consistent with BPCL’s philosophy of nurturing and encouraging our country’s sporting talent, we have taken on board over 200 sportspersons across various disciplines over the years. Our support helps build their confidence and serves as a springboard for their aspirations.”