Sindhu resets game amid challenging lean phase

Blistering aggression has given way to stamina-testing rallies in women's singles badminton, says ace Indian shuttler P V Sindhu, who is reinventing her game to keep pace with the evolving tempo while navigating a challenging lean phase.

This year has been far from ideal for the two-time Olympic-medallist. She has endured four first-round exits and three second-round losses, with a lone quarterfinal appearance at the India Open in January being a rare bright spot.

"The women's singles (competition) has completely changed. Initially it was more of attack and fast rallies; it has become much more defensive with long rallies and long matches," Sindhu told a select group of reporters at the Sports Authority of India Centre here.

"We have been working on that, especially in terms of being more patient to continue that rally and keep the shuttle in the court for a longer period of time. Because we have to make changes every time the game changes.

"As an athlete I have been changing my game, it might take time but it's important to do it every time," she added.

The former world champion, currently training under Indonesian coach Irwansyah Adi Pratama for close to six months, is making subtle yet significant adjustments to her game.

"Back then I used to attack but now every athlete is good in their defence. We are working on how patient I need to be to maintain the rally let's say 30 strokes or 40 strokes.

"I need to keep a check on my physical fitness, endurance. Because I need to withstand the court for a very long period. So, that way we have been working on these changes and it's good that Irwansyah has come and is training me." One of India's most decorated athletes, Sindhu has a glittering CV comprising five world championship medals, including a gold, an Olympic silver and bronze, and countless other accolades.

"I'm happy that I could do everything, whatever was under my control, and won every medal. Now it is also important to make sure to maintain it. I know people might say 'you have won everything there's no pressure' but I have to make sure it's going on," she said.

At 29, Sindhu is also becoming more mindful of how her body responds to the physical grind.

"It's not going to be the same as it was 10 years ago. Back then I would do a different type of training but now it might be different. So, I need to understand that as a player.

"(I need to) Understand that things might change and we adapt accordingly. Every time we need to make sure our body is in the right direction and we are able to take load, otherwise there are chances of injury and it's hard to come back." That shift means being selective with tournaments and prioritising quality over quantity.

"Definitely (the training module has changed). Earlier we used to have back to back four-five tournaments...But now you have to make sure your body condition is good, you can't just go out there and play five-six tournaments in a row and not being fit.

"We need to make sure how the body is feeling after one tournament, otherwise there's no point playing. You rather skip a tournament and train harder and then come back stronger." Recently Sindhu ended up on the wrong side of some close games and while she conceded that the results have bothered her, Sindhu believes she's closing the gap.

"Recent results definitely bother me. But there's been an improvement. I think five-six tournaments back I was losing a bit easy but there's been improvement with some tough matches with top athletes.

"That's a positive thing I can take and work on what's required."