Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

PV Sindhu aims to hit the ground running in 2021

India's badminton world champion PV Sindhu has decided not to return to competitive action this year, but does not expect her prolonged pandemic-related absence to hamper her preparations for next year's rescheduled Tokyo Olympics.

The Rio silver medallist is skipping the ongoing Denmark Open as the BWF World Tour season resumed following a seven-month shutdown due to the COVID-19 crisis and will make her return when the Tour swings to Asia in January.


The 25-year-old, who resumed training at the national camp in Hyderabad in August after a four-month hiatus, will play in the Asia Open I (Jan. 12-17) and Asia Open II (Jan. 19-24) and believes her challengers in the top 10 will be well rested.

"I missed playing badminton. But I used to train every day at home so I'm in good shape... When I started playing again it took me one or two weeks to come back but I'm fine, I'm fit. I'm waiting for tournaments to start," world number seven Sindhu told Reuters.

"It's been seven months (without competitive action)... It's going to be a different game and challenging as everybody must have improved.

"It's not easy to say there's just one or two players because everybody will be challenging at the Olympics. Football results(ผลบอล) Everybody is going to be in top form. The top 10 in the world are of the same standard so each one is challenging."

Sindhu, who last played at the All England Open in March and kept herself busy during the lockdown by painting and improving her cooking skills, said that the rest of her schedule before Tokyo is unclear.

"I'm positive and I'm practising so I hope everything goes on well," Sindhu added.

"I was a bit sad, but it's fine. The whole world came to a standstill and it was important to take care of ourselves. Life comes first."

More For You

Uganda-high-commission-event

The event also focused on Uganda’s role in cultural diplomacy and sustainable development.

Uganda high commission hosts heritage event in London

THE UGANDA high commission in London hosted an event highlighting Uganda’s cultural heritage and investment opportunities at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Building. The event featured a performance by the Watoto Children’s Choir.

Uganda’s high commissioner to the UK, Nimisha J Madhvani, addressed the gathering, welcoming guests and speaking about the country’s cultural diversity.

Keep ReadingShow less
Shein-Reuters

Shein had aimed to go public in London in the first half of this year, subject to regulatory approvals in the UK and China. (Photo: Reuters)

Shein cuts valuation to £40 billion for London listing

SHEIN is preparing to lower its valuation to around £40 billion for a potential initial public offering (IPO) in London, according to three Reuters sources familiar with the matter.

This is nearly 25 per cent lower than the company's 2023 fundraising valuation as it faces increasing challenges.

Keep ReadingShow less
Dr Punam Krishan: ‘My book inspires children to appreciate their bodies’

Dr Punam Krishan

Dr Punam Krishan: ‘My book inspires children to appreciate their bodies’

AN ASIAN doctor said she wants children to feel excited and empowered about their bodies when they read her new book.

Published last month, Dr Punam Krishan’s You & Your Body helps children and families understand the human body and make positive choices about well-being, the author said.

Keep ReadingShow less
Maha-kumbh-pilgrims-reuters

Devotees arrive at the river bank to take a holy dip at Sangam during the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, India on January 28, 2025. (Photo: Reuters)

India says 420 million pilgrims have visited Maha Kumbh

INDIA’s government announced on Friday that more than 420 million pilgrims have taken part in ritual bathing at the Maha Kumbh, a Hindu religious festival.

Organisers say the estimate is based on artificial intelligence and surveillance cameras used to track attendance.

Keep ReadingShow less
Eye Spy: Top stories from the world of entertainment

Vicky Kaushal in 'Chhaava'

Chhaava

Eye Spy: Top stories from the world of entertainment

UK SHOW IS A SHOCKER

THE recent Rewind Queens tour was an absolute shocker. The concerts had already been postponed from 2024 due to Alka Yagnik’s severe illness, yet organisers likely knew she wouldn’t be able to perform in the January shows in London and Birmingham – but only announced her absence days before.

Keep ReadingShow less