P.V. Sindhu, India’s badminton sensation and an Olympic medalist, is renowned for her formidable power on the court and an equally disciplined fitness regimen off it. Her dedication to training and a meticulously balanced diet are cornerstones of her success, demanding strict adherence and immense willpower. Yet, even for an elite athlete, there’s always that one irresistible treat. So, what is the one food that even PV Sindhu finds impossible to resist?
The Rigorous Regimen of a Champion
PV Sindhu’s journey to becoming a world-class athlete is built on a foundation of relentless training and a carefully curated lifestyle. Her daily routine is a testament to her commitment, often starting as early as 3:30 AM.
Morning Drills and Strength Building
Sindhu’s mornings are typically packed with intense physical activity. Her training sessions, often spanning five hours until noon, focus on a versatile blend of strength training, agility drills, and badminton-specific exercises. This includes incorporating exercises like squats, deadlifts, and core workouts to build muscle power and stamina for extended matches. Speed and agility drills are critical for her quick footwork and reflexes on the court. She also includes cardio exercises like running, cycling, and swimming to enhance endurance. A typical day can involve alternate running sessions, ranging from sets of 400m runs to a single 2.4 km run. Furthermore, she performs 100 push-ups and 200 sit-ups daily to activate her core and abdominal muscles.
Afternoon and Evening Endurance
After a brief break for lunch and rest, Sindhu returns to the academy in the afternoon for endurance training, often wrapping up her day by 7 PM. Her workout sessions are planned monthly, with a focus on specific body parts like her back, abdomen, knees, and shoulders. Beyond the physical exertion, recovery is a crucial element of her regimen, incorporating yoga, pranayama, and swimming to aid muscle recovery and stabilize heart rate.
Fueling the Fire: PV Sindhu’s Diet Philosophy
An athlete of Sindhu’s caliber requires precise nutritional intake to support her grueling training and performance. Her diet is carefully balanced between carbohydrates and proteins to maintain optimal energy and endurance levels.
A Day on Sindhu’s Plate
Her typical diet begins with a wholesome, protein-rich breakfast, often including eggs, milk, and fresh seasonal fruits. For lunch and dinner, Sindhu focuses on balanced meals of lean proteins (like chicken or fish), whole grains (such as rice), and a variety of green vegetables. Throughout the day, hydration is paramount, with frequent intake of electrolyte-rich drinks, coconut water, and plenty of water. Mid-day snacks often consist of fresh fruits and dry fruits to keep energy levels stable between sessions. Sindhu also emphasizes incorporating protein into every meal, sometimes supplementing with whey protein when dietary intake isn’t sufficient.
The Strict No-Nos
Under the guidance of her coaches, particularly Pullela Gopichand, junk food and sweets are generally banned from her diet. Sugar is strictly restricted due to its potential to cause inflammation. Her meals are carefully measured, reflecting the precision required to maintain her peak physical condition.
The Irresistible Exception: Hyderabad’s Culinary Crown Jewel
Despite her incredibly strict and disciplined diet, PV Sindhu, like many of us, has a cherished “cheat meal” that she simply cannot refuse. This indulgence allows her to occasionally break from the rigorous regimen and enjoy something she truly loves.
The food that PV Sindhu just can’t say no to is Hyderabadi Biryani.
Being from Hyderabad, a city synonymous with this aromatic rice dish, it’s perhaps no surprise that this flavorful delicacy holds a special place in her heart. She has openly shared that Hyderabadi Biryani is her favorite cheat meal, a treat she enjoys “once in a while” to reward herself, especially after rigorous tournaments or demanding training periods. While strict about her fitness and diet, Sindhu believes in treating herself occasionally, knowing she’ll work it off with her continued dedication to training. She even enjoyed ice cream with Prime Minister Narendra Modi after winning bronze at the Tokyo Olympics 2020.
This peek into the world of PV Sindhu reveals that even Olympic champions, driven by immense discipline, allow themselves small, relatable pleasures. It’s a testament to the fact that balance, even for elite athletes, can include an occasional taste of pure indulgence.
