Criticism doesn't affect me, working on technique to win medal at Olympics: Sindhu

Neither criticism nor the burden of expectations bother world champion shuttler P V Sindhu, who says she is completely focussed on improving her craft in pursuit of a second Olympic medal at this year's Tokyo Games.

Sindhu claimed India's first ever World Championships gold in 2019 but she made early exits from a series of tournaments the rest of the season, including her failure to defend the World Tour Finals title last month.

"World Championship was really good for me but after that I kept losing in the first rounds but I kept myself positive. It is not possible that you will win all matches. Sometimes you may play brilliantly, sometimes you will make mistakes," Sindhu, who will next be seen at the Premier Badminton League (PBL), told PTI.

"I learnt a lot from those mistakes. It is important for me to stay positive, and come back stronger," she added.

Sindhu said she is working on her technique to iron out the flaws.

"There will definitely be a lot of expectations from me but pressure and criticism doesn't affect me because people always expect me to win whenever I go. Olympics is the ultimate aim, for anybody.

"We are doing a lot of work on technique and skill workouts and everything will be planned and it will go well in the Olympic season," Sindhu exuded confidence while talking about the Tokyo Games.

The 24-year-old from Hyderabad, who claimed a silver at the Rio Olympics, will have the opportunity to emulate wrestler Sushil Kumar in becoming the second Indian to secure two Olympic medals when she turns up at the Tokyo Games.

"He (Sushil) has done really well for the country and I hope and wish that I also do well and get a medal in Tokyo. It never crossed my mind where I think about others. It is step by step for me. So, I think I need to train hard and give my best," she said.

"It won't be easy though, this time in 2020, we start off with Malaysia and Indonesia in January and it goes on as there are a few tournaments for Olympic qualification. So all the tournaments will be important for us."
"It is once in a year and it is a great atmosphere."