PV Sindhu has revealed that one of the turning points in her inspiring comeback came through a heartfelt conversation with cricket star Virat Kohli, whose advice helped her rediscover the joy of competing after one of the most challenging phases of her career.

Days after lifting her maiden Japan Open Super 750 title, the two-time Olympic medallist reflected on the difficult journey that led to the victory, saying success came only after she stopped chasing trophies and focused on enjoying the sport again.

A Difficult Phase Tested Sindhu’s Resolve

The past two years were filled with setbacks for Sindhu.

Recurring injuries, including recovery from a stress fracture, inconsistent performances, and an early exit at the Paris Olympics made it one of the toughest periods of her career. Frequent rehabilitation and a prolonged title drought further added to the challenge.

Despite being one of India’s most decorated badminton players, Sindhu admitted there were moments of doubt during her recovery.

A Call to Virat Kohli Changed Her Perspective

Looking for guidance from someone who understood the pressures of elite sport, Sindhu reached out to Virat Kohli.

She revealed that the former India captain responded almost immediately and met her the very next day in Bengaluru. Accompanied by her husband, Venkata Datta Sai, Sindhu spent several hours discussing the mental challenges of competing at the highest level.

While she chose not to reveal the details of their private conversation, she described it as a meeting that changed her outlook.

According to Sindhu, Kohli encouraged her to stop obsessing over trophies and instead reconnect with the happiness that first drew her to badminton.

Rediscovering the Joy of Competition

Sindhu said Kohli’s biggest lesson was simple but powerful.

Instead of focusing solely on victories, she learned to enjoy the daily process of training, improving, and competing.

That shift in mindset transformed her approach to the sport.

She explained that waking up early for training sessions was no longer about chasing medals or titles but about embracing the journey itself.

Historic Japan Open Victory

The renewed confidence was evident at the Japan Open, where Sindhu defeated home favourite Akane Yamaguchi in straight games to claim her first Super 750 title.

The victory also made her the first Indian to win the Japan Open and the oldest women’s singles champion at a Super 750 tournament.

Throughout the final, Sindhu displayed composure, tactical discipline, and resilience against one of the world’s strongest defensive players.

A New Approach to Training

Sindhu credited her comeback to a complete overhaul of her preparation.

Working alongside her husband, strength trainer Wayne Lombard, and coach Irwansyah, she focused on improving fitness, refining her net play, and adding greater variety to her attacking game.

She also highlighted the growing role of performance data in helping monitor workload, recovery, and movement, allowing her team to make more informed training decisions.

Rather than relying only on power, Sindhu said she has developed a more balanced style built around drops, half-smashes, clears, and better court awareness.

Confidence Returns Ahead of Major Events

The Japan Open title has provided Sindhu with renewed belief ahead of a packed international calendar.

With the BWF World Championships and the Asian Games approaching, the Indian star believes her best badminton may still be ahead.

She said the latest triumph was not about proving critics wrong but about reaffirming her own belief that she could return to the highest level.

What Lies Ahead for PV Sindhu?

After ending her title drought in style, Sindhu now heads into the next phase of the season carrying both confidence and momentum.

Her comeback story has become a reminder that success often begins with rebuilding confidence, embracing the process, and finding joy in the game once again.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why did PV Sindhu contact Virat Kohli?

Sindhu sought advice during one of the toughest periods of her career while dealing with injuries and inconsistent results.

2. What advice did Virat Kohli give PV Sindhu?

He encouraged her to stop chasing trophies and rediscover the joy of playing badminton.

3. Which title did PV Sindhu recently win?

She won the Japan Open Super 750 title.

4. Who did Sindhu defeat in the final?

She defeated Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi in straight games.

5. Why is the Japan Open victory significant?

It marked Sindhu’s first Super 750 title and made her the first Indian to win the Japan Open.

6. Who has supported Sindhu during her comeback?

Her husband Venkata Datta Sai, coach Irwansyah, and strength trainer Wayne Lombard have all played key roles.

7. How has Sindhu changed her game?

She has improved her net play, added more variety to her shots, and adopted a data-driven approach to training and recovery.

8. What challenges did Sindhu face before her comeback?

She battled injuries, rehabilitation setbacks, inconsistent performances, and a lengthy title drought.

9. Which tournaments will Sindhu play next?

She is expected to compete in the BWF World Championships and the Asian Games.

10. What message does Sindhu’s comeback send?

Her journey highlights the importance of resilience, mental strength, and enjoying the process rather than focusing only on results.