Looking back, what stands out most from your time competing at the Commonwealth Games?

The Commonwealth Games is a very special tournament for me. It always reminds me of my beginnings and the strength, effort and determination that any tournament needs, but especially a Commonwealth Games.

In what ways did your Commonwealth Games experience shape your view of badminton and your own journey as an athlete?

Competing on the Commonwealth platform exposed me to the weight of expectations, not just personal but national, and taught me how to carry that with grace. It reinforced the idea that badminton is not only a sport I play, it is also a platform for my country. The Games sharpened my competitive mindset. Facing athletes from different countries and styles pushed me to evolve, adapt and think more deeply about my own game.

You continue to compete at the highest level. How have you balanced your life on the court and your life away from it as your career has evolved?

It is always tough, but it is part and parcel of an athlete’s life. Any sport needs unparalleled commitment, and you have to prioritise your life around it. Luckily, my family and support staff have also restructured their lives around my schedule and tournaments. I think one has to be comfortable missing out on some important celebrations or even a family dinner.

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What challenges or turning points have defined your journey since your Commonwealth Games appearances?

Each Commonwealth Games has given me a very different experience, but the 2022 edition was truly a turning point. I already had a bronze and a silver, so of course I wanted to complete the set, but that year became special for an entirely different reason. I got injured in the quarterfinals and was playing with a broken foot. I could not give my 100 percent, yet the only thing on my mind was winning gold for the country. Pushing through that pain, staying focused and finally standing on the podium with the gold medal made it one of the most precious moments of my career.

As a leading player on the world stage, how do you balance your life within the badminton community with your commitments on court and away from it?

On court, my focus is singular. Training, recovery and performance always come first because they are the foundation of everything I do. Beyond competition, I see myself as part of a much larger ecosystem. Engaging with young athletes, supporting the badminton fraternity and contributing to conversations that help the sport grow are responsibilities I take seriously. I have realised that balance is not about doing everything. It is about doing the right things with purpose. I prioritise what aligns with my values, promoting the sport, championing women in athletics and using my platform to inspire.

Sport has the power to influence young lives. Can you share more about the work you do with young athletes in India and the impact you hope to make?

Absolutely. Sport is one of the most powerful tools we have. One of my dreams is finally taking shape. I am currently in the process of constructing the PV Sindhu Center for Badminton and Sports Excellence in Visakhapatnam. The centre will nurture and empower athletes across multiple sports and disciplines. With the tremendous support athletes receive from the Badminton Association of India, the Sports Authority of India and the Government, I feel I am in a unique position to make a difference. I am deeply motivated to create something that will not only elevate Indian badminton, but also contribute to the growth of sport in our country as a whole.

How are you preparing for your next tournaments?

I like to keep things simple and follow my routine. Physically, my training is focused on sharpening my speed, endurance and shot-making under pressure. Recovery has also become a non-negotiable part of my preparation. From physiotherapy to nutrition and rest cycles, everything is planned to keep me at peak condition.

The Commonwealth Games in 2030 have recently been announced as being held in India. Is that something you would like to still be competing towards?

2030 is still some time away. Right now, my full focus is on the 2026 season, and I prefer taking things one step at a time. When 2030 comes closer, if I am injury-free and my body supports me, I would definitely like to work towards it, especially with the Games being held in India. For now, it is about staying healthy and preparing well for 2026.