shot-button
Maharashtra Elections 2024 Maharashtra Elections 2024
Home > Sports News > Other Sports News > Article > Eye contact with coach Park worked wonders PV Sindhu

Eye contact with coach Park worked wonders: PV Sindhu

Updated on: 03 August,2021 07:32 AM IST  |  Mumbai
Subodh Mayure | subodh.mayure@mid-day.com

“There were a lot of mixed emotions [after the semi-final defeat] about whether I should be happy that I got another chance [to win a bronze medal] or I have to be sad because I lost in the semis.

Eye contact with coach Park worked wonders: PV Sindhu

India badminton star PV Sindhu with coach Park Tae-Sang after winning the bronze medal in Tokyo on Sunday. Pic/Getty Images

India shuttler PV Sindhu’s eye contact with her South Korean coach Park Tae-Sang was the secret to her bronze medal triumph at the Tokyo Olympics on Sunday. Sindhu beat China’s He Bing Jiao 21-13, 21-15 to become the only Indian woman to win two individual Olympic medals (adding to her 2016 Rio Olympics silver).


Sindhu, 26, also revealed how Park motivated her following her disappointing 18-21, 12-21 defeat to World No. 1 Tai Tzu Ying of the Chinese Taipei in the semi-
finals on Saturday.


“There were a lot of mixed emotions [after the semi-final defeat] about whether I should be happy that I got another chance [to win a bronze medal] or I have to be sad because I lost in the semis.


Motivation 

“But Park told me one thing. He said: ‘There is a lot of difference between a bronze and the fourth position.’ That really hit me and I felt that I must give my best to get that medal,” Sindhu said during a virtual press conference from Tokyo on Monday.

Sindhu added that Park played the perfect guide from the sidelines. “He [Park] never showed his nervousness because as a coach, he needs to always motivate and support the player. But we had a lot of eye-to-eye contact and since we have been practising together for so long, I knew exactly what he was saying and what he wanted me to do. We have practiced that [visual signals] so I know exactly how I have to play next,” said Sindhu.  

Meanwhile, Park, 42, who has been guiding the reigning world champion for two years now, said that he calmed her down with a Hindi phrase that he has learnt overtime.

‘Take it easy’

“In important moments, when the pressure is very high and it’s easy to make a mistake, I would say to her, ‘aaram se’ [take it easy],” said Park, a 2004 Athens Olympics quarter-finalist.

Also Read: Ajinkya Rahane to India batsmen: Back your methods

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!


Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK