21 Aug 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu admitted that she needed to show more patience after her campaign at the 2026 BWF World Championships in New Delhi came to an end in the quarter-finals.
Sindhu was beaten by China’s Wang Zhi Yi in a closely fought three-game contest, ending her hopes of winning a record sixth World Championships medal.
Sindhu Falls Short in Three-Game Battle
Playing in front of the home crowd, Sindhu lost the opening game 11-21 before fighting back to take the second 21-15.
However, Wang regained control in the deciding game and won 21-17 to seal the match and end Sindhu’s run in the tournament.
‘I Should Have Been More Patient’
Reflecting on the defeat, Sindhu acknowledged that she could have handled some key moments differently.
The Indian star felt that greater patience, particularly during the crucial phases of the contest, could have helped her maintain control and put more pressure on Wang.
Questions Over Wang’s Injury Breaks
The match also featured a controversial moment when Wang appeared to struggle with cramps late in the contest.
Sindhu questioned whether the stoppage may have been part of Wang’s tactics. The Chinese player, however, insisted that her cramps were genuine and that she was dealing with a real physical problem.
Sixth World Championships Medal Dream Ends
Sindhu entered the tournament aiming to add another medal to an extraordinary World Championships record.
She has already won five World Championships medals, including a historic gold in 2019. A sixth medal would have further strengthened her status as one of the most successful players in the tournament’s history.
Home Crowd Could Not Push Sindhu Through
The New Delhi crowd strongly backed Sindhu throughout the contest.
Despite the support and her successful fightback in the second game, she could not sustain the momentum against world-class opposition in the decider.
A Tough Exit for India’s Star Shuttler
The defeat represents a disappointing end to Sindhu’s campaign, particularly because the championships were being held on home soil.
Her performance nevertheless showed her ability to fight back after losing the opening game and remain competitive against one of the world’s leading players.
Focus Turns to the Road Ahead
For Sindhu, the immediate lesson from the defeat is likely to be about patience and managing crucial phases of close matches.
At this stage of her career, experience remains one of her biggest strengths, and the World Championships exit could provide another opportunity to assess and refine her game.
Sindhu’s Legacy Remains Strong
Although she missed out on a sixth World Championships medal, Sindhu remains one of India’s most decorated badminton players.
Her Olympic medals, World Championships gold and multiple podium finishes have made her a defining figure in Indian badminton.