PV Sindhu back in world top six after four years; how she scripted her comeback

PV Sindhu (ANI Photo)

NEW DELHI: PV Sindhu's resurgence on the international badminton circuit has received another significant boost, with the two-time Olympic medallist climbing to world No. 6 in the latest women's singles rankings, her highest position since December 2022.The 31-year-old Indian shuttler has made an impressive return to the top six following a productive season on the BWF World Tour, highlighted by two titles and multiple deep runs at major tournaments.

Sindhu's latest ranking improvement comes on the back of her triumph at the Hylo Open in Germany, where she defeated Denmark's Line Kjaersfeldt 21-12, 21-14 in the women's singles final on Sunday. The victory marked her second BWF World Tour title of the season and continued the momentum she had built over the preceding weeks.Her return to the top six is particularly significant given the challenges she has faced in recent seasons. The former world champion has gradually rediscovered her consistency, competing against a strong field featuring both established stars and a new generation of women's singles players.ALSO READ: PV Sindhu sees new wave in Indian badminton: 'Initially, there was a gap, but now we have these girls'

Two titles and multiple final-four finishes

Sindhu's climb in the rankings has been driven by a series of encouraging performances this season.She began her title-winning campaign with the Japan Open in July before adding the Hylo Open crown in Germany.

In between, she reached the final of the French Open, where she finished runner-up to world No. 1 An Se Young.The Indian also made semifinal appearances at the Malaysia Open and Australian Open, further strengthening her position among the leading players on the circuit.Her recent performances have also helped her secure a place in the season-ending BWF World Tour Finals, scheduled to take place in Hangzhou, China, from December 9 to 13.

Sindhu is fifth in the HSBC Race to Finals rankings, with the top eight players qualifying for the elite tournament.She will be looking to repeat her success from 2018, when she won the prestigious season-ending competition.

'31 is the new 21': Sindhu on competing at the top

Sindhu has attributed her resurgence to consistent performances, patience and better management of her physical condition."I'm happy that I've climbed into the top six now. I just feel that if you keep doing well, you automatically start winning and your ranking also comes up.

If you perform well and win tournaments, you don't have to think only about the ranking. It will automatically improve," she said.The Indian star, who has competed against several generations of leading women's singles players, remains confident about returning to the very top.

"Absolutely. Why not? If you take care of your body, definitely yes. It's just about how you take care of your body. A lot of athletes are playing in their 30s, 31s and 32s, and there have been many who were at the top at that age.

So, why not get back to the top again? I'm getting there, and I am there."Sindhu also underlined the importance of managing her tournament schedule rather than playing continuously."I'm not young anymore, but you know, 31 is the new 21. So I need to take care of my body, isn't it?"With her ranking back among the world's top six and a place secured at the BWF World Tour Finals, Sindhu's latest run represents an encouraging chapter in her bid to re-establish herself among the very best in women's badminton.