NEW DELHI: India’s badminton star P. V. Sindhu, who recently scripted history by winning the Japan Open title, has revealed that cricket icon Virat Kohli played a crucial role in helping her regain confidence during the toughest phase of her career.
Sindhu said she was going through one of the most difficult periods of her sporting journey when she met Kohli. “I met Virat bhai, and after speaking with him, my entire perspective changed. His words gave me a fresh outlook and renewed confidence,” she said.
The two-time Olympic medallist added, “Among the many people I have met, Virat bhai was one of the few who truly understood the kind of mental challenges I was facing as a top-level athlete.”
Historic Japan Open Triumph
Sindhu ended a 19-month title drought by winning the historic Japan Open crown two days ago. She became the first Indian woman to win the prestigious tournament in Tokyo.
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Her previous title had come at the Syed Modi International in December 2024. Later that month, Sindhu married Hyderabad-based entrepreneur Venkata Datta Sai.
‘Virat Bhai Was Always There to Guide Me’
Sindhu has now travelled to China to compete in the China Masters.
In a post on X, P. V. Sindhu wrote, “I am extremely grateful to Virat bhai. I was suffering one injury after another and going through the toughest phase of my career when I reached out to him. He immediately agreed to meet me the very next day.”
“My husband Venkata was also present during the meeting. Virat bhai gave me invaluable advice and motivated me immensely. Not just this time whenever I have sought his guidance, he has always helped me without any hesitation.”