PV Sindhu returns to world number six after four years; Here’s how the Indian star rebuilt his rating
NEW DELHI: PV Sindhu’s resurgence on the international badminton circuit has received another major boost, with the two-time Olympic medalist climbing to world No. 6 in the latest women’s singles rankings, her highest position since December 2022.The 31-year-old Indian shuttler made an impressive return to the top six after a productive season on the BWF World Tour, highlighted by two titles and several deep runs at major tournaments.Sindhu’s latest improvement in rankings came after her triumph at the Hylo Open in Germany where she beat Denmark’s Line Kjaersfeldt 21-12, 21-14 in the women’s singles final on Sunday. The win marked her second BWF World Tour title of the season and continued the momentum she had built in the previous weeks.Her return to the top six is ​​particularly significant given the challenges she has faced in recent seasons. The former world champion gradually rediscovered her consistency, competing against a strong field that included both established stars and a new generation of women’s singles players.READ ALSO: PV Sindhu sees new wave in Indian badminton: “Initially there was a gap but now we have these girls”
Two titles and several final four finishes
Sindhu’s climb up the rankings has been driven by a string of encouraging performances this season.She began her winning campaign at the Japan Open in July before adding the crown at the Hylo Open in Germany. Meanwhile, she reached the final of the French Open, where she finished runner-up to world number one An Se Young.The Indian also made it to the semi-finals at the Malaysia Open and the Australian Open, further strengthening her position among the leading players on the circuit.Recent performances have also helped her secure a spot in the season-ending BWF World Tour Finals, which are scheduled to be held in Hangzhou, China, from December 9-13. Sindhu is fifth in the HSBC Race to Finals rankings, with the top eight players qualifying for the elite tournament.She will be looking to repeat her 2018 success when she won the prestigious season-ending competition.
’31 is the new 21′: Sindhu on competing at the top
Sindhu attributes her resurgence to consistent performances, patience and better management of her fitness.“I’m happy that I’ve climbed into the top six now. I just feel that if you keep doing well, you’ll automatically start winning and your ranking will follow. If you perform well and win tournaments, you don’t just have to think about ranking. It will automatically improve,” she said.The Indian star, who has battled several generations of leading women’s singles players, remains confident of returning to the very top.“Absolutely. Why not? If you take care of your body, you sure do. It’s just how you take care of your body. A lot of athletes play at 30, 31 and 32 years old and there were a lot of people who were at their peak at that age. So why not get back on top again? I’m getting there and I’m there.”Sindhu also emphasized the importance of managing her tournament schedule rather than playing non-stop.“I’m not young anymore, but you know, 31 is the new 21. So I have to take care of my body, right?”With her ranking back in the world’s top six and a spot at the BWF World Tour Finals secured, Sindhu’s latest run marks an encouraging chapter in her quest to re-establish herself among the best in women’s badminton.