P. V. Sindhu

While there are many good courts in the country, we need to have good coaches for more players to come up. Not everyone can go to Gopichand Academy, and everyone cannot afford international tournaments.

I was 18 when I was presented with the Arjuna Award. To say it feels really good would be an understatement. But I don't know how else to convey the feeling. I am grateful for having received this prestigious award at such a young age.

In my early years, I would travel 56 km. from home to the training institute and back every single day.

My period days didn't make me falter: they made me more determined to pursue my dreams.

I have been playing with boys, which is helpful for me.

Talking about world-class player, no player is easy to play at this level. Each player has a different style of play.

It's always good to win a title.

I think the coaches have to play a big role in the players' development.

There is always scrutiny and pressure from the media. I am always told that I have to win.

Winning a tournament at the end of the year boosts your confidence a lot.

Hard work is the key for success.

I think judging a shuttle is different everywhere, so there is a drift, but you have to be used to it. We can't complain, as I think it is same for all.

I would love to act in a film if it is based on my life. But then it all depends on who is making it and how much time it would require for me to shoot.

I had once thought I would become a doctor but gave up on the thought soon enough. I took up the racquet instead. Later, when I saw my sister studying so much to become a doctor, I was like, 'Thank God I am a shuttler!'

I have learnt many things, but there's more to learn. Every day is a new start.

Since the Rio Olympics, the expectations are always high, and the responsibilities are also high. I am used to it now. You have to keep going and keep working hard.

It takes years of practice to become a World No. 1 or 2.

I have no tension. I only play to give my best.

Fitness is the key. You need to have strokes and stamina and agility; you need to exercise really well. On-court and off-court are equally important.

Win or lose, I always focus only on giving my 100%.

There will be many obstacles in the pursuit of your dreams. I had long hours of training, balancing studies and badminton.

I didn't think I would have an Olympic medal at 21, but I knew I would give my best and play my game. I just viewed it as my first Olympics and that I would take it one match at a time, but to bring a silver home made me very, very happy.

Injuries are part of life. We can't decide on that.

When you are injured, you need to strengthen yourself very well to make a comeback very confidently.

Your dreams are what define your individuality. They have the power to give you wings and make you fly high.

Against each player, I will give 100 per cent. I give my best in every game.

Some tournaments maybe are important for others, while some are important for me.

I put the good playing and game first, and money, prizes are secondary.

Many players are of the same standard; it all depends on how your strokes land on the other side of court.

I have a lot of hunger to win the big titles.

The Olympic medal gave me a lot of confidence, and I went and won my first Super Series in Hong Kong. So in that regards, what Rio did was give me extra motivation and the confidence that now anything can happen.

I love making friends and make others happy. But I also love to be happy all the time. All that aggression that you see remains on the court only.

If it makes me happy, it definitely adds to my well-being.

I love dressing up, and I'm aware that people do say that it can take your attention away from the game. But I disagree with this notion!

Nagpur to Kanyakumari and Kashmir, future Olympic medallists can come from anywhere. It is the passion that drives you, not the city, provided you get enough facilities.

One tournament win doesn't make you perfect.

My parents have been volleyball players, and my dad is an Arjuna awardee in volleyball.

When I started, I didn't think I would become a great player. It was my passion; I had interest. My parents supported me. In that way, I continued.

I prepare the same for every opponent.

Saina is not someone special player that I have to win against. It's not like that I must beat her. She is one of the players.

I train for six days in a week for eight to ten hours of practice per day.

Playing for Hyderabad Hunters is a very good feeling.

You can't compare one tournament with another.

Every tournament I have won has been memorable.

You win some and lose some. It's all part of the game. You have to take it in a very positive way.

I have to keep moving and keep working hard.

The year 2017 has been really good for me. Definitely, a lot of positive things to learn from.

You have to keep on learning all the time unless and until you become perfect in all the strokes.

I went to school like any other regular student till Class VIII, and my favourite subject was math. From Class IX, things got a little difficult to manage. I was inclined towards studies, but then I also had to give time to badminton.

I like Telugu movies, then comes Bollywood and then English movies. In Tollywood, I like Mahesh Babu and Prabhas. But no, I don't watch all their movies. I first find out if the movie is nice. If it's a flop, I don't watch it.