'Will Continue, Albeit After a Small Break': India's Badminton Ace PV Sindhu Reflects on Tough Loss at Paris Olympics 2024

Indian badminton ace P V Sindhu on Friday said she will take a short break following her pre-quarterfinal exit from the Olympic Games as she comes to terms with “one of the hardest” defeats of her career but promised to continue after “carefully” evaluating her journey ahead.

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Sindhu, who won a silver in the 2016 Rio Games and a bronze in the 2020 Tokyo edition, bowed out of the ongoing Games following a straight-game loss to China’s world number nine He Bingjiao.

“Regarding my future, I want to be clear: I will continue, albeit after a small break. My body, and more importantly, my mind need it. However, I plan to carefully evaluate the journey ahead, finding more joy in playing the sport I love so very much,” Sindhu posted on X.

“This loss is one of the hardest of my career. It will take time to accept, but as life moves forward, I know I will come to terms with it,” she said.

The 29-year-old, who is a trailblazer in Indian badminton, said her buildup to the Games was far from ideal but once here, she gave it her all.

“The journey to Paris 2024 was a battle, marked by two years of injuries and long periods away from the game. Despite these challenges, standing here and representing my wonderful country at a third Olympics makes me feel truly blessed,” she said.

“I’m incredibly fortunate to compete at this level and, even more importantly, to inspire a generation. My team and I gave everything we had for Paris 2024, leaving it all on the court with no regrets,” she added.

READ MORE: India’s Full Schedule at Paris Olympics 2024 For August 2, Friday: Events, Timings, Athletes and More

The Hyderabadi is among the most successful athletes from India, having claimed five world championship medals, including a gold and two silver. She is also a multiple-time Commonwealth Games and Asian Games medallist.

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