To see India flag go high is a feeling I can never forget: PV Sindhu

What does the bronze mean to you?
It is a morale booster and I am even more inspired to reach higher goals.

Are you satisfied with the bronze or does it hurt you that you could not go further to win silver or gold?
One step at a time, like my coach Gopi sir says. Gold is the ultimate to aim for and I am hoping to get there soon.

Did you expect to win a medal in your first World Championships?
I didn’t. I had a tough draw. Each and every match was very tough. I had been training really hard for the tournament and my coach, and my family have been encouraging me for this very moment. I am glad I won a medal.

Comparisons will be made between you winning a bronze medal in your first attempt and Saina not going beyond quarterfinal in four attempts. How will you handle it?
Well, Saina is a very experienced player and an inspiration for all the woman badminton players, and I have learnt a lot from her game.

You went to the World Championships after recovering from an injury. How was the preparation?
The physios did a great job. Gopi sir guided me through the rest and preparation time. I would say these things combined to work well for me.

It is no joke to beat higher-ranked Chinese on two successive days. What went through your mind?
Both Wang Yihan and Wang Shixian are tough players with lots of experience. I have played my Yihan previously (in Sudirman Cup this year) and that probably helped me in deciding my strategy. My quarterfinal opponent Shixian is also a very strong player. I would say I just played my game and it went well.

You had played Ratchanok Intanon in India Open semifinals this year. Did you find any difference in her between Delhi and Guangzhou?
No. She is an amazing player.

Were you under pressure in the semifinal?
There were a lot of expectations from the whole nation. I would say that I was a bit exhausted after the quarterfinals. There is a lot of competition in tournaments of the stature of the World Championships. Probably that made the difference.

Intanon and you are both 18. What should you be doing to reach her level and produce more wins?
From the fitness point of view, it gets awfully exhaustive in tournaments where matches are held daily. So, probably I need to work more on fitness and that would help me when I take on Intanon again.

Is it more about being mentally strong at this level, other than just the on-court skills?
It’s everything put together, plus support from the coach, encouragement from the family, being prepared thoroughly, staying physically fit. The fact that I am representing India motivated me to play to the best of my ability.

What did it mean to you when you were on the podium and saw the national flag go high?
It was a very proud moment. For me to be able to do it, seeing the India flag go high, at 18, that feeling I can never forget.

How were the conditions in China? Did the inconsistent drift bother you?
The conditions were good. We had to get adjusted to all the venues as per the situations. No complaints.

Did you pick up some tricks watching the men’s and women’s singles finals?
Of course, I watched them. I have more to learn from them.