New Delhi, August 19: Indian badminton star PV Sindhu revealed how a piece of advice from cricket legend Virat Kohli helped shift her mindset during one of the most challenging phases of her career. Sindhu emphasized that Kohli reminded her of the importance of simply stepping onto the court and trusting her preparation.
Currently participating in the BWF World Championship in New Delhi, Sindhu recalled her conversation with Kohli during a podcast for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). The two-time Olympic medalist shared that she reached out to Kohli when she felt stuck in her career. His response was straightforward yet impactful. “I would say he is like a brother to me. I remember when I was going through a tough time, I met him and expressed that nothing was going right. He simply said, ‘Just get on the court, it’s okay, just go and play,'” she recounted.
Sindhu appreciated this advice, stating that Kohli encouraged her to focus on the match rather than worry about the results. She added, “He told me to step onto the court for anything and just play my game. What will happen? You won’t lose anything; you know who you are, you know the training you’ve done, and show the world who you are. I believe this had a profound impact on me, and that conversation completely changed my perspective.”
At 31, Sindhu also mentioned that she stays in touch with Kohli and shares her achievements with him. “Whenever I win, I share my joy and tell him what I’ve achieved. I recently met him, and it’s always great to meet someone who has achieved so much and to seek advice from them,” she said.
Discussing Kohli’s approach to sports, Sindhu praised his demeanor and ability to perform under pressure. She remarked, “Before stepping onto the field, his mindset and the way he plays make it clear that he deserves respect for everything he has accomplished.”
Sindhu kicked off her campaign at the BWF World Championship 2026 with a stellar performance at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi. The former world champion secured her place in the Round of 32 by defeating Ireland’s Sofia Noble in just 29 minutes, with scores of 21-7, 21-11.
Leave a Comment