Injury rules PV Sindhu out of BWF World Tour Finals
What's the story
Indian badminton star PV Sindhu will miss the season-ending 2022 BWF World Tour Finals scheduled in Guangzhou, China, starting December 14. Sindhu hasn't competed since August this year, having suffered a stress fracture in her left ankle. Although Sindhu was expected to recover in time for the BWF World Tour Finals, her team informed the Badminton Association of India (BAI) about her withdrawal.
Context
Why does this story matter?
In August, Sindhu missed the Badminton World Championships. The 27-year-old sustained a stress fracture on her left foot during the 2022 Commonwealth Games (CWG). Despite the pain, Sindhu willed herself to the gold medal in the women's singles final, besting Canada's Michelle Li (21-15, 21-13). However, the injury ruled Sindhu out of the other competitions this year.
Statement
She will take some more time to recover: Sindhu's father
"Her doctor has advised her to take some more time so that she recovers completely ahead of the new season," PV Ramana, Sindhu's father, told PTI, confirming her withdrawal from the tournament. "She has discussed the pros and cons, including the many restrictions in Guangzhou. Keeping the new season in mind, she has taken this decision," Ramana added.
Run
How has Sindhu performed in 2022?
Sindhu has a 46-12 win-loss record on the BWF tour in 2022. She has won three titles this year - the Swiss Open, Syed Modi India International, and the Singapore Open. Prior to the Singapore Open, she was ousted in the quarters of the Malaysia Masters. She had also suffered a quarter-final exit at the Malaysia Open before that.
Achievements
A look at Sindhu's career achievements
Sindhu is a two-time Olympic medalist (2016, 2020). She has won five medals at the BWF World Championships (one gold, two silver, and two bronze). She claimed silver at the Asian Games (2018). Sindhu is a three-time medalist at the Commonwealth Games (2014, 2018, 2022). She won a silver at the South Asian Games (2016) and a gold at the Commonwealth Youth Games (2011).