Must remain alert from the start in new 15-point scoring format: P.V. Sindhu

Indian badminton star P.V. Sindhu has shared her reaction regarding the new 15-point scoring format set to be implemented from next year. According to a report by The Hindu, Sindhu believes that players will have to make significant changes to their game and strategy due to this shift. She stated that players will now have very little time to gain control over the game after a slow start.

Sindhu further added, "We have been playing in the 21-point system for many years. Now it is necessary that we train and practice for this new scoring system." She explained that in a 21-point game, if a player lost five points initially, they still had the time and opportunity to make a comeback. However, in the new format, if five or six points slip away, half the game is already over. Therefore, it is imperative to remain fully alert from the very beginning of the match. She emphasised that there is no room to lose easy points now, as by the time a player realises their mistake, a major part of the game would have concluded. Thus, one must remain vigilant at every moment.

This statement was made by P.V. Sindhu on Sunday, November 1, after winning the Hylo Open. With this victory, she has succeeded in winning her second title in the last four months, which has propelled her back to sixth place in the world rankings. This is the first time since 2023 that she has re-entered the top 10. This win ends a long wait, as her previous title before the Japan Open in July came at the 2024 Syed Modi International.

The 31-year-old Sindhu credited her success and comeback to her new support system. During a media interaction organised by the Badminton Association of India, she said, "I have a new team this year and we are working on every aspect. I am very grateful to them because there are days when you are not in your best form and feel low, but the team encourages you every time and steers things in the right direction."

Having secured her place in the season-ending BWF World Tour Finals, Sindhu said that age is no barrier to competing at a high level, although it is necessary to prioritise rest and recovery. Speaking on taking care of the body, she said, "It is important to take care of your body, but at the same time, it is necessary to make smart decisions. You are no longer 20, and you cannot play tournament after tournament continuously. You should give your 100% in the tournaments you play. For that, it is necessary to be at your best physically and mentally. If the body is not 100%, one should take a step back, recover, and return stronger."

Sindhu clarified that she is not rushing to regain her old form, but is rebuilding herself by winning titles one by one. In her view, there is still plenty of room for improvement and she is in a good state mentally and physically. She is also happy that the country's hopes are no longer solely on her. She praised players such as Ashmita Chaliha, Anmol Kharb, Unnati Hooda, and Tanvi Sharma, who are making their mark on the global stage.

Speaking about personal support, Sindhu made a special mention of her husband Venkat Datt Sai, who regularly accompanies her to tournaments worldwide. She said that her parents are very supportive and now her husband has also joined this process. He understands the game and the mental pressure a player goes through. Sindhu mentioned that her husband sat as a coach during the Australia Open this year, and the inputs received from watching the match from the outside are very useful.