Leander Paes Backs PV Sindhu for a Historic Hat-Trick at Paris Olympics 2024

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Indian tennis legend Leander Paes has expressed his strong faith in badminton star PV Sindhu, envisioning her clinching a third consecutive Olympic medal at the Paris 2024 Games.

Paes, who captivated the world with his bronze medal performance in men's singles at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, sees Sindhu's potential for further glory on the Olympic stage.

Aiming for a Historic Third Medal

PV Sindhu has already made history as the first Indian female athlete to secure medals in two consecutive Olympics-silver in Rio 2016 and bronze in Tokyo 2020. A third medal in Paris would establish her as the first Indian athlete ever to achieve this remarkable feat.

"Of course, she can achieve a hat-trick of Olympic medals. I believe PV Sindhu is one of the greatest badminton players we've had. Winning two medals at the Olympics back-to-back is a remarkable feat. I am a strong supporter of her and wish her all the best in the Paris Olympics," said Leander Paes (via TOI), expressing his unwavering support for the badminton ace.

From Promising Star to Seasoned Veteran

Unlike her previous Olympic appearances, Sindhu heads to Paris not as a rising star or the reigning world champion but as a seasoned veteran navigating through one of the most challenging phases of her illustrious career. She will also have the honour of being the flag bearer for the Indian contingent during the Opening Ceremony alongside table tennis champion Sharath Kamal.

Overcoming Adversity

The last couple of years have been challenging for Sindhu. Two years before Paris 2024, she clinched gold at the Commonwealth Games, playing through a stress fracture in her ankle from the quarter-finals onwards. This injury led to a five-month layoff, during which her performance dipped, and her confidence waned as losses accumulated.

However, after another injury break in late 2023 and a complete overhaul of her support team, Sindhu began to find her rhythm again. While she may not be at her peak, she has a solid foundation to build upon.

The Road Ahead

As the Paris Olympics approach, Sindhu has been placed in Group M, where she is expected to advance to the knockout stages with relative ease. Her group includes Estonia's Kirstin Kuuba, ranked 75th in the world, and Pakistan's Fathimath Nabahaa Abdul Razzaq, ranked 111th. Sindhu, currently ranked 13th and seeded 10th in the Olympic draw, is poised to face these competitors without any prior encounters, giving her a strategic advantage.

Looking ahead, Sindhu's path to a potential third medal will not be without formidable challenges. Should she progress from her group, she could face two-time World Championships medallist He Bingjiao of China in the round of 16. A victory there might set up a quarter-final clash with reigning Olympic champion Chen Yufei.

Sindhu's reputation as a big-tournament player is well-earned, with her ability to elevate her game in crucial moments. Despite not always being at her best during regular tours, she has consistently delivered outstanding performances on the grandest stages. Her previous Olympic medals came in years when she was not in peak form, highlighting her resilience and competitive spirit.

As Sindhu prepares for Paris 2024, the Indian sports community and her fans worldwide will be eagerly watching, hoping to see her make history with a third consecutive Olympic medal.