Indian badminton star PV Sindhu has made a significant move in her preparation for the upcoming 2024 season by adding former South Korean badminton legend Lee Hyun-il to her coaching team as a consulting coach. This decision comes shortly after appointing Anup Sridhar as her interim coach and ahead of her anticipated return to competition at the Finland Open and Denmark Open in October 2024.
The reshuffle in Sindhu’s coaching team follows the conclusion of former coach Agus Dwi Santoso’s contract with the Sports Authority of India. Aware of the need for stronger, hands-on coaching as she moves forward, Sindhu sought a coach who could actively spar with her and contribute to her day-to-day training regimen. As a result, the current coaching arrangement with Sridhar and Lee Hyun-il will serve as a temporary solution until December 2024, when a permanent coaching decision is expected.
Lee Hyun-il, a former World No. 1 and Sindhu’s former teammate during the Premier Badminton League (PBL), brings a wealth of international experience and a reputation for thorough preparation. His expertise, combined with Anup Sridhar’s deep understanding of Indian badminton, creates a formidable coaching duo that can offer tactical precision and valuable insight into Sindhu’s game.
“I’m thrilled to have Anup and Lee Hyun-il joining my team in this crucial period,” Sindhu said in a statement. “Anup’s understanding of Indian badminton and his strategic approach have always impressed me, and I look forward to working closely with him. Having Lee, with his meticulous preparation and legendary experience, is an honour. I’ve always respected his attention to detail, and I can’t wait to learn from him during these next few months.”
The addition of Lee Hyun-il comes at a pivotal time in Sindhu’s career, as she looks to build momentum after her performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics. This coaching duo is expected to play a critical role in her preparation for the upcoming European circuit, where she aims to sharpen her game and make a strong impact.
With this interim coaching setup, Sindhu is positioning herself for a successful return to international competition. A final decision on her permanent coaching team is expected by the end of 2024, marking an important phase in her ongoing badminton journey.
