India’s badminton sensation, PV Sindhu, is set for an international resurgence in the New Year, unveiling a transformed self as she gears up for the Paris Olympics with her new foreign coach, Agus Santoso.
Recovering from a left knee injury that temporarily halted her journey, Sindhu is back on the court, commencing training in Hyderabad under the watchful eye of Santoso. The two-time Olympic medalist has enlisted Santoso, the former Indonesian coach of the Indian team and current coach of Thailand, as her overseas mentor.
Santoso’s arrival follows Sindhu’s previous coaching stints with Korean coach Park Tae Sung and Indonesian legend Mohd Hafiz Hashim. However, the quest for peak performance prompted Sindhu to seek new guidance, leading to her reunion with Santoso. The coach, who had earlier worked at the Gopichand Academy, returns solely to guide Sindhu, with a monthly salary of USD 10,000 facilitated by Sai.
Amidst the coaching dynamics, veteran Prakash Padukone will join Sindhu as a mentor. The duo is expected to split training sessions between Bangalore and Hyderabad, ensuring comprehensive preparation. Santoso’s coaching pedigree includes notable players like former world number one Korean shuttler Son Wan Ho and former world champion Indonesian Sonny Dwi Kunkro.
Despite the positive developments, a shadow of controversy looms over coaching transitions, questioning the impact on Sindhu’s game. Some critics argue that frequent coaching changes might disrupt her rhythm, emphasizing the need for stability in coaching relationships for consistent performance.
Coaching carousel risks Sindhu’s game; stability over frequent changes crucial for success.
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