'Three Matches In 18 Hours': PV Sindhu Criticises Asian Games 2026 Badminton Schedule After Quarter-Final Exit
Indian badminton ace PV Sindhu has hit out at the Asian Games schedule after she had to play 3 matches in the space of just 18 hours in Aichi-Nagoya. Sindhu lost to China's Chen Yu Fei in the quarter-finals having been on the court until 1 AM the night before. The scheduling has been a major point of contention throughout the competition with several athletes complaining of the same.
PV Sindhu has blamed the Asian Games scheduling after she crashed out of the women's individual category following a defeat to China's Chen Yu Fei. Sindhu lost 21-11, 18-21, 10-21 to the former world champion on Sunday. Taking to X after the defeat, the Indian shuttler said playing three matches within 18 hours had taken a toll.
'Took it's toll'
“I needed a little time to put this into words. My Asian Games campaign is over, and I’m hurting. Three points from closing out that quarterfinal. I keep coming back to those three points,” Sindhu wrote.
She then highlighted the tight turnaround she faced. “Three matches in 18 hours. Back at 3 a.m., out again at 8:30 a.m. It took a toll,” she said.
Sindhu had a gruelling Saturday, with her first match delayed and her second contest shifted between courts. She finished the latter close to 1 a.m., returned to her hotel and completed her dinner and recovery routine before sleeping at around 3 a.m.
She was back up at 8:30 a.m. ahead of her quarter-final against Chen.
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Sindhu vows to bounce back
Sindhu made a strong start against Chen, taking the opening game 21-11. However, the Chinese player extended the rallies and fought back to win the second game 21-18 before sealing the decider 21-10.
Despite the disappointment, Sindhu said she and her team were already working on improving her performance in crucial moments.
“My team and I are already working on closing out those moments. We will fix it,” she wrote.
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