Double Olympic medallist shuttler PV Sindhu has added former World no 1 South Korean Lee Hyun-il to her team as a consultant coach on an interim basis as she bolstered her coaching team ahead of her anticipated return to action next month.
The Korean left-hander will join Anup Sridhar in her coaching team for an interim arrangement until December 2024. A decision on a permanent coaching team is expected by that time.
Sindhu is expected to return to competitive action at the Finland Open and Denmark Open, scheduled to be held in October.
Hyun Il, a former world No. 1 and Sindhu’s teammate during the Premier Badminton League (PBL), brings vast international experience and a reputation for meticulous preparation.
He is a 2006 World Championships bronze medallist in singles and has two Asian Games team gold medals in 2002 and 2014. But more than his titles, he was widely admired for his gazelle-like court movement and strokeplay.
His inclusion, alongside Sridhar, was aimed at creating a dynamic coaching duo that blends experience, tactical precision, and deep knowledge of the sport.
Both coaches will help in Sindhu’s preparation as she begins her post-Olympic campaign and aims to sharpen her game for the upcoming European circuit.
While Sindhu has continued changing coaches – this is her sixth shuffle in two years – her game has remained stagnant for three seasons, with bigger titles drying up. She hasn’t quite managed to go deep into tournaments and contend for titles against the Top 7, since her World title in 2019.
“I’m thrilled to have Anup and Lee Hyun Il joining my team in this crucial period. Anup’s understanding of Indian badminton and his strategic approach have always impressed me, and I look forward to working closely with him,” Sindhu said.
“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,” she added.
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On joining Sindhu’s coaching team, Hyun-il said, “Working with PV Sindhu was an easy decision. Our previous partnership in the PBL highlighted her fierce determination and exceptional talent.
The decision to hire a new coaching team followed the conclusion of coach Agus Dwi Santoso’s contract with the Sports Authority of India.
The rest of her team includes Vidhi Chowdary, deputed by the Sports Authority of India to oversee the transition. Nisha Rawat joins as her new physio.
