PV Sindhu Ropes In South Korean Legend Lee Hyun Il as Consulting Coach for Upcoming Competitions

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PV Sindhu, a double Olympic medallist in badminton, has enlisted South Korean legend Lee Hyun Il as her consulting coach temporarily. This decision follows the recent appointment of Anup Sridhar as her interim coach.

Both coaches will be part of Sindhu's team until December 2024, with a permanent coaching decision expected by then.

Sindhu plans to make her competitive return at the Finland Open and Denmark Open in October. Lee Hyun Il, a former world No. 1 and Sindhu's teammate in the Premier Badminton League (PBL), brings extensive international experience.

He is known for his meticulous preparation and has won a bronze medal at the 2006 World Championships and two Asian Games team golds in 2002 and 2014.

Coaching Team Dynamics

The inclusion of Hyun Il alongside Sridhar aims to create a dynamic coaching duo. Their combined experience and tactical knowledge are expected to enhance Sindhu's game as she prepares for the European circuit. Sindhu expressed her excitement about working with both coaches during this crucial period of her career.

"I'm thrilled to have Anup and Lee Hyun Il joining my team in this crucial period. Anup's understanding of Indian badminton and his strategic approach have always impressed me, and I look forward to working closely with him," Sindhu said in a release.

"Having Lee, with his meticulous preparation and legendary experience, is an honour. I've always respected his attention to detail, and I can't wait to learn from him during these next few months," she added.

Hyun Il's Perspective

Lee Hyun Il expressed enthusiasm about joining Sindhu's coaching team. "Working with PV Sindhu was an easy decision. Our previous partnership in the PBL highlighted her fierce determination and exceptional talent," he stated. "I am excited to contribute to her growth and success in the upcoming tournaments."

This coaching change comes after the end of coach Agus Dwi Santoso's contract with the Sports Authority of India. Sindhu is now looking for a coach who can actively spar with her and support her daily training needs.

Acknowledging Past Contributions

Sindhu acknowledged Santoso's significant role in her badminton journey. "I truly appreciate coach Agus for all the effort he invested in preparing me for the Olympics. His hard work and commitment were instrumental in getting me back from injury and ready for competition," she said.

"He became more than just a coach; he became a friend and a guide. I will miss those early morning training sessions with him and will always look up to him," she added, highlighting the bond they shared.

Sindhu also mentioned missing Santoso's unique Indonesian energy that made long training sessions enjoyable, as well as their conversations after matches and during flights. She believes any athlete would be fortunate to have such a dedicated coach.