Paris Olympics 2024: India legend calls PV Sindhu an 'underdog' despite impressive career

Former India shuttler Parupalli Kashyap recently described PV Sindhu as an "underdog" in the upcoming Paris Olympics, a surprising label for the two-time Olympic medallist. Despite this, Sindhu's name still carries significant weight in the badminton world, with her formidable reputation and big-match credentials making her a formidable opponent. 

As she aims for an unprecedented third consecutive Olympic medal, PV Sindhu's journey to Paris has been marked by challenges, particularly as she continues to find her best form following a knee injury in February.

Also Read: Paris Olympics: India Set to Begin Its Campaign today. Check Out The Schedule For The Day

Sindhu's resilience and experience on the global stage have made her a household name in Indian sports, and while recent performances might not reflect her past dominance, her ability to rise to the occasion is well-documented. 

The Paris Olympics will be a crucial test for Sindhu, as she looks to overcome the physical and mental hurdles that have affected her game in recent months. Opponents will undoubtedly be cautious of her, knowing that her experience and skill can turn the tide in any match. 

Why Parupalli Kashyap called PV Sindhu an underdog?

"In major events, I think the opponents also are a little wary of her even though she's not in form. I think she's going as a dark horse and underdog considering the last two years of women's singles." 

Since the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, Sindhu won the Singapore Open Super 500 title and Commonwealth Games gold in 2022, but a left ankle injury she suffered in Birmingham took six months to heal.

When she returned to action, she struggled to find her rhythm and endured as many as seven first-round exits. Sindhu did reach the finals of the 2023 Spain Masters but, after a few months, she suffered a knee injury in October last year.

Also Read: 'Have Made Commitment': Andy Murray Unmasks the Reason He’s Skipping Singles Action at Olympics

She came back in February this year but satisfactory results were tough to come by, with the highlight being a runner-up finish at Malaysia Masters and a couple of quarterfinals.

"There are clear four athletes in the women's singles who are out-and-out favourites to make it to the medal rounds but I'm sure they are wary and a little tense about facing Sindhu because she's a big-match player and her game style is also very suited to major events," Kashyap said.

"She's an out-and-out attacking player and backs herself with a fitness level as well," added the 2014 Commonwealth Game champion.

(With PTI inputs)