After Anup Sridhar, PV Sindhu adds Korean Lee Hyun-il to coaching staff

India's star shuttler PV Sindhu bolstered her coaching staff with South Korean legend Lee Hyun-il. Sindhu appointed the former player as the interim coach till December 2024.

In Short

• PV Sindhu announced a fresh support start before Finland Open
• Sindhu appointed Anup Sridhar and Hyun-il as her support staff
• The shuttler has not played a tournament since Paris Olympics

Double Olympic medallist PV Sindhu has strengthened her coaching team by bringing in South Korean badminton great Lee Hyun Il as a consulting coach on an interim basis. This move follows the recent appointment of Anup Sridhar as her interim coach. Together, they will support Sindhu until December 2024, when a decision on a permanent coaching team is anticipated.

Sindhu is set to make her competitive return at the Finland Open and Denmark Open in October. Lee, a former world No. 1 and Sindhu’s teammate in the Premier Badminton League (PBL), brings extensive international experience, including a bronze medal from the 2006 World Championships and two team golds from the Asian Games in 2002 and 2014. His addition, alongside Sridhar, aims to create a dynamic coaching partnership that combines tactical precision and deep knowledge of the sport.

“I’m thrilled to have Anup and Lee joining my team during this crucial period,” Sindhu stated. “Anup's strategic approach and understanding of Indian badminton have always impressed me, and I look forward to collaborating closely with him. It’s an honour to have Lee, with his meticulous preparation and legendary experience. I can’t wait to learn from him in the coming months.”

Hyun Il expressed enthusiasm about joining Sindhu’s coaching team, saying, “Working with PV Sindhu was an easy decision. Our previous collaboration in the PBL showcased her fierce determination and exceptional talent. I am excited to contribute to her growth and success in the upcoming tournaments.”

This coaching transition comes after the conclusion of Agus Dwi Santoso’s contract with the Sports Authority of India. Sindhu is looking for a coach who can travel with her and actively participate in her daily training sessions.

Sindhu also took a moment to reflect on Santoso's contributions to her career, stating, “I truly appreciate all the effort he invested in preparing me for the Olympics. His dedication and commitment were crucial in helping me recover from injury and get back to competition. He became more than just a coach; he was a friend and a guide. I will miss our early morning training sessions and his infectious Indonesian energy that made those long hours enjoyable, as well as our conversations after matches and our chants on flights. Any athlete who works with him will be lucky to have such a dedicated coach.”