PV Sindhu's redemption story began with a phone call to Virat Kohli
Badminton star PV Sindhu credits a pivotal conversation with cricketer Virat Kohli for helping her overcome a difficult period of injuries and poor performance. Sindhu recently secured her first major trophy in two years, noting that Kohli's advice to find joy in the sport rather than focusing on winning was instrumental to her recovery.
Why it matters
The story illustrates the psychological pressures faced by elite athletes and the importance of mentorship and mental health support in professional sports.
Long before PV Sindhu stood weeping on the podium at the Japan Open last week, holding her first major trophy in over two years, the foundation for her return was laid in a quiet, unscripted meeting in Bengaluru.The preceding 24 months had been brutal. After effects of a stress fracture, a painful early exit at the Paris Olympics, results that refused to arrive. Rehabilitation stalled and restarted more times than anyone cared to count, and a title drought stretching back to the 2024 Syed Modi International grew heavier by the month.
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