PV Sindhu, the world’s top-ranked female badminton player, is intensifying her training regimen with a renewed emphasis on sports science and strength and conditioning in preparation for the upcoming BWF World Championships. On Saturday, she practiced at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi alongside fellow Indian players, including debutants Ayush Shetty and Unnati Hooda. Her coach, Irwansyah Adi Pratama, observed from the sidelines as Sindhu engaged in rigorous drills, focusing on refining her technique through a combination of deceptive shots and drop plays. This marked one of several early-morning sessions aimed at ensuring peak performance for the tournament, which begins on Monday. Sindhu, currently ranked ninth in the world, has steadily improved her standing over the past year, climbing from World No. 13 to within the top 10. Recent performances, including a victory at the Japan Open Super 750 in July and consistent showings in major tournaments such as the Australian Open, Malaysia Open, and Singapore Open, have underscored her readiness for the World Championships. If she secures a medal, her fifth overall, she would surpass Zhang Ning as the most decorated woman in badminton history. Her approach to training has evolved significantly, incorporating advanced sports science methodologies. Wayne Lombard, a seasoned strength and conditioning specialist who has previously worked with athletes in hockey, boxing, and track and field, leads her fitness program. Alongside him are physiotherapist Heera Mundluru and strength trainer Shreyasi Sanjay, whose combined expertise forms the backbone of Sindhu’s current strategy. “I think it was very important for me to have a Sports Science team around me,” Sindhu explained during a press conference. “In terms of the S&C and the physio. And of course the coach is always there. Wayne (Lombard) heads the strength and conditioning. And of course Heera (Mundluru) is my physio right now. And Shreyasi (Sanjay) looks after the S&C.” She emphasized the role of technology in monitoring her physical condition, using devices to track fatigue levels and strain indicators. These tools allow her to adjust her training intensity based on real-time data rather than relying solely on subjective feelings. “Before that, what are the precautions that you take and how smartly you change?” she noted. “Because you have all these gadgets now to record your strain, how tired you are, or whether you can push yourself or not. So I think these are some metrics where you make sure and take precautions. So these are the small things that you change.” Sindhu acknowledged that her evolution extends beyond physical improvements. Over the past seven years, she has refined both her tactical mindset and strategic thinking. Her first World Championship gold came in 2019, following two bronze finishes in 2013 and 2014 and two silver medals in 2017 and 2018. Since then, she has adapted to shifts in the sport itself, adjusting her gameplay to remain competitive at the highest level. The Indian contingent has been preparing extensively for the tournament, with multiple teams engaging in high-intensity practices. Players such as Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, Chirag Shetty, Lakshya Sen, and Hariharan Amsakarunan-MR Arjun have all been working hard to ensure they are match-ready. However, the spotlight remains on Sindhu, whose presence continues to elevate the expectations surrounding the Indian team. Other developments include updates from the Chinese delegation, which has expressed confidence in its preparations for the championships. Meanwhile, in unrelated sporting contexts, athletes such as Fulton and Harmanpreet have emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and consistency in their respective matches against Wales. As the tournament approaches, attention will remain fixed on Sindhu and her ability to deliver under pressure. With her latest training strategies and support system in place, she aims to add yet another chapter to her storied career.
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