Badminton

PV Sindhu highlights the role of recovery data and mentorship in elite sport

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Nov 4, 2026, 14:12 IST

Olympic medallist PV Sindhu discusses the importance of athlete recovery technology and shares how advice from Virat Kohli helped her navigate challenging periods in her professional badminton career.

PV Sindhu highlights the role of recovery data and mentorship in elite sport

Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu has emphasised the critical role of recovery monitoring in modern athletics, drawing parallels between her own training regimen and the technology now being adopted by Indian cricketer Shubman Gill. As athletes increasingly rely on data to optimise their performance, Sindhu noted that tracking recovery metrics is just as vital as the training itself.

Sindhu, who recently climbed back into the world’s top 10 following her victory at the Hylo Open, has been using the Temple device for some time. She expressed confidence that Gill, who has also begun using the technology, will effectively leverage the insights it provides. According to Sindhu, the device offers a comprehensive view of an athlete's physical state, including heart rate variability, sleep quality, cognitive performance, and nutritional tracking.

The importance of data-driven recovery

The badminton star explained that there is no single metric that dictates an athlete's readiness for competition. Instead, she advocates for a holistic approach where individual data points are interpreted based on the specific demands of the sport. By monitoring these parameters, athletes can better structure their work schedules and ensure their bodies are adequately prepared for the rigours of professional play.

Sindhu highlighted that while the technology provides the data, the application of those insights remains a personal process. She noted that Gill, having been a professional cricketer for a significant period, would likely have developed a strong understanding of how to use these data points to balance his playing time and rest periods effectively.

Mentorship and cross-sport inspiration

Beyond the technical aspects of her preparation, Sindhu also reflected on the value of building relationships with other elite athletes. She credited Virat Kohli with providing essential guidance during a difficult phase in her career, noting that his advice helped her regain her focus and enjoyment of the game. During a low point, Kohli encouraged her to simply go out and enjoy her performance, a piece of advice she found deeply impactful.

Sindhu believes that communication across different sporting disciplines is a powerful tool for growth. By engaging with peers such as Kohli and javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, she gains unique perspectives on how to handle pressure, manage setbacks, and maintain motivation. These interactions, she suggests, provide invaluable lessons that transcend the boundaries of any single sport, offering a broader understanding of the mental resilience required to compete at the highest level.