Asian Games 2026: PV Sindhu criticises badminton scheduling, says did not get enough time for recovery

PV Sindhu lost in the quarterfinal against China’s Chen Yufei. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

Ace Indian shuttler PV Sindhu on Sunday voiced criticism towards the badminton scheduling at the Asian Games 2026, saying playing three matches in 24 hours did not give her enough time to recover.

Sindhu was scheduled to play two matches on Saturday, with the second match ending after midnight. She then returned to the court on Sunday for her quarterfinal match against China’s Chen Yufei, which Sindhu lost.

“Not really, because the scheduling was not really well organised is what I feel,” said Sindhu when asked if she had ever played two matches in any major championships earlier.

“We literally slept really late and then coming back in the morning (on Sunday), playing two matches in a day. Recovery is the most important priority.”

The two-time Olympic medallist played her second round match in the afternoon of Saturday. Her third round match ended after midnight (around 1 AM local time on Sunday). Her quarterfinal match started around 1:30pm local time on Sunday.

Asked how she prepared herself mentally to play three matches in 24 hours, Sindhu said, “It’s more than mentally preparing, you need to recover. Even though you think you are doing good, physically you might not be able to go there or you might not be able to play.”

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“When there are long rallies, definitely yes, recovery. When you had a good thing, you would automatically (go) but your legs don’t move.

“But I think apart from that it was a good game overall but it’s just that the scheduling should have been a bit better.”

Unnati Hooda, who lost in the quarterfinal to Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi was also not happy with the scheduling as many players had to play more than one matches in a day.

“I will not blame my loss (in quarterfinals) to that but the scheduling could have been managed better.”

Sindhu was also left frustrated by some close line calls in her match which she believes should have gone in her favour.

Sindhu played her match on Court 4 at the Ichinomiya Gymnasium Hall, which did not have hawkeye and the provision of player challenges. The technology was only installed in Courts 1 and 2.

“There were no cameras here. That was really sad. I felt that 2-3 shots were on the line. In the quarter-finals in the Asian Games, there should have been a camera is what I feel. Because these are the crucial matches.”

“If you get that point, it is good. You have upper hand. You are playing with the cameras, playing with reviews.

“We can challenge it or if that’s your point, you have a one point advantage. Sometimes an opponent is not able to move and the shuttle falls there and the line judge gives out. And you challenge, you get a point.

“So it’s an advantage in a way. In the second game, I felt 2-3 shots were clear. But the line judge, you can’t do anything about it.”

Sindhu also said she was not thinking about the Asian Games 2030 and instead was focusing on the process.

“If I have it in me, definitely yes. I just need to stay injury-free. It’s just, what’s next? That’s very important. Step-by-step is important.

“Yeah, definitely one year at a time. It’s important that I just focus on what’s next. Because you’re not 20 anymore, right? You need to take care of your body, take care of everything. So it’s very important.

“We’ll have to pick and choose tournaments. What to do, what to play and what not to play. Because your body, taking care of your body also is important,” said Sindhu who is expected to compete in the European circuit later in the year.

Asked what keeps her motivating, she said, “I have it in me the passion and the love towards sport. That keeps me going irrespective of how many medals I’ve got. I think that’s important.

“At the end of the day, you need to love playing sport. That passion towards the sport keeps you going. And that’s the only thing. If you don’t have that passion, if you don’t feel like going, you can’t. So I still know that I have it in me. I can do it and I’m enjoying it.” 

(With inputs from PTI)

Published on Sep 27, 2026

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