PV Sindhu spoke exclusively to Times Now ahead of the 2026 Asian Games Ahead of the 2026 Asian Games, PV Sindhu opened up on a host of issues as she aims to add another medal to their decorated career. The Indian ace shuttler is participating in the continental showpiece event for the fourth time in her career and will take part in both the women's team event for the Indian side as well as the women's singles. She previously won the bronze medal in the women's team event in 2014 and a women's singles silver in 2018. In an exclusive interaction with Times Now, Sindhu spoke about her excitement and preparations for the event as well as her work with young Indian talent like Ayush Shetty. She also opened up about the challenge of playing this event without a dedicated games village for the first time in the history of the Asian Games. Question: We are here in Japan, and who better to speak to than PV Sindhu, who is India's favorite sportsperson! Sindhu, firstly, always a pleasure to have you on Times Now. Japan is your happy hunting ground. Let's just set—Japan Open, and now here for the Asian Games. How are you feeling, and how much are you looking forward to this challenge? PV Sindhu: Of course, I am really excited, and I think this is my fourth Asian Games, if I am not wrong. Really, really excited and looking forward! Of course, a couple of months back, I won here in Japan, so again, I am back here. So yes, I would take that as a lucky thing. But yeah, I think we all were looking forward to this Asian Games. It's like, you know, once in four years, so yeah. Question: And, you know, you are one of the most experienced players in this team, and there is also a team event as well. Does that bring a certain kind of responsibility as well, being the most senior player? PV Sindhu: I mean, yes, and also it's kind of nice to, you know, get all athletes together and play, because, you know, badminton, I think generally it's an individual sport, and I think these are the times where you get all of them together, play together as a team, and support each other. So it's always nice to have that and take that responsibility in a way. But yeah, since the draw also is out now for the team events, and I am really excited for our match. Question: And, you know, everyone talks about the quality of players at the Olympic Games, but Asian Games also is very, very difficult. The depth that we see here is equivalent to almost the Olympic Games. How do you look at the quality of competition here at the Asian Games? PV Sindhu: No, definitely yes! I mean, it is definitely one of the—I think after the Olympics and World Championships, of course, Asian Games is something where it comes once in four years. So after Olympics, I think the Asian Games also is a big one because you see all the Asians are playing this, and I think overall the competition also is really very high at the Asian Games. So really looking forward to it. But at the same time, to get a medal and to win a medal here also is a very big thing. Question: And Sindhu, when we talk about your preparation, you have of course grown as an athlete and grown immensely—from somebody just playing at the Asian Games to now being a double Olympic medalist as well. How much has your preparation changed to the mental side of, you know, the game, or for you as well? PV Sindhu: No, definitely, it has changed a lot, because back then when I started playing, when I was playing my first Asian Games, to now, I think there has been a lot of change. Like mentally, you know, I am much more stronger and much more experienced. And I think, you know, how to take things—like for example, you tend to lose points, so you know how do you accordingly react to it, or how do you play and accordingly how you change your strategy. I think that matters, and I have changed on those aspects a lot more. Question: And if, you know, you were to give one advice to the 18-year-old PV Sindhu, what would you tell her? PV Sindhu: To be more patient! I think back then, in those days, I think it was completely different. The game also was different. So patience—yeah, back then we all had patience. If I have to say, I think I would not change much, because I have achieved then also at that age and also now. So I think it's been a process and it's been an amazing journey, so I would put it that way. Question: And in that journey, whenever you step onto the court, particularly in multi-sport disciplines, do you still get nervous? Do you still get the happy jitters, as they say, or are you absolutely used to it now? PV Sindhu: No, no! I think every time we play for the country, I think it's always there—that, you know, that excitement is always there. So definitely yes, I do get jitters, and of course I feel responsible, and I would want to, you know, get that medal for the country. So yeah!