PV Sindhu back in world top six after four years; how she scripted her comeback

NewsSports NewsBadminton NewsPV Sindhu returns to world top six after four years; here's how India's star rebuilt her ranking PV Sindhu returns to world top six after four years; here's how India's star rebuilt her ranking Edited by Hijam Raju Singh / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Updated: Nov 04, 2026, 18:44 IST NEW DELHI: PV Sindhu's resurgence on the international badminton circuit has received another significant boost, with the two-time Olympic medallist climbing to world No.

6 in the latest women's singles rankings, her highest position since December 2022.The 31-year-old Indian shuttler has made an impressive return to the top six following a productive season on the BWF World Tour, highlighted by two titles and multiple deep runs at major tournaments.

Watch Kynan Chenai: The 38-Year-Old Gun Barrel, Asian Games Gold and the LA 2028 Dream | TOISA Spotlight Sindhu's climb in the rankings has been driven by a series of encouraging performances this season.She began her title-winning campaign with the Japan Open in July before adding the Hylo Open crown in Germany.

In between, she reached the final of the French Open, where she finished runner-up to world No. 1 An Se Young.The Indian also made semifinal appearances at the Malaysia Open and Australian Open, further strengthening her position among the leading players on the circuit.Her recent performances have also helped her secure a place in the season-ending BWF World Tour Finals, scheduled to take place in Hangzhou, China, from December 9 to 13.

Sindhu is fifth in the HSBC Race to Finals rankings, with the top eight players qualifying for the elite tournament.She will be looking to repeat her success from 2018, when she won the prestigious season-ending competition.

Sindhu has attributed her resurgence to consistent performances, patience and better management of her physical condition."I'm happy that I've climbed into the top six now. I just feel that if you keep doing well, you automatically start winning and your ranking also comes up.

If you perform well and win tournaments, you don't have to think only about the ranking. It will automatically improve," she said.The Indian star, who has competed against several generations of leading women's singles players, remains confident about returning to the very top.Join conversation "Absolutely.

Why not? If you take care of your body, definitely yes. It's just about how you take care of your body. A lot of athletes are playing in their 30s, 31s and 32s, and there have been many who were at the top at that age.

So, why not get back to the top again? I'm getting there, and I am there."Sindhu also underlined the importance of managing her tournament schedule rather than playing continuously."I'm not young anymore, but you know, 31 is the new 21.

So I need to take care of my body, isn't it?"With her ranking back among the world's top six and a place secured at the BWF World Tour Finals, Sindhu's latest run represents an encouraging chapter in her bid to re-establish herself among the very best in women's badminton.

Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app. Hijam Raju Singh is an Assistant News Editor with The Times of India Digital, with more than 20 years of journalism experience, including over 18 years in sports journalism.

A graduate in Journalism and Mass Communication, he has been associated with The Times of India’s Digital Sports Desk for more than 18 years. He specialises in analytical, statistical and data-driven sports coverage, with a particular interest in cricket, football, tennis and Olympic sports.

Modi Govt Revises Agnipath Scheme, Offers 2-Year Service Extension To 75% Of Agniveers Modi Cabinet Approves Critical Minerals Plan, 92 GWh Energy Storage Scheme And Statistical Revamp ‘Modi Kahin Nahi Jaayenge’: Union Min Sings, BJP Leaders Echo Counter-Slogan After Kharge's Remark Ladakh Admin Issues Notice To Sonam Wangchuk's HIAL, Asks It To Halt School Activities 'Mischievous Breach': Supreme Court Stops BMC Chief's Salary Over Failure To Clear Encroachments 'Mohan Bhagwat Can Be Judge': Rahul Gandhi Renews Debate Challenge To PM Modi Over ‘Foreign Links’ 'Mohan Bhagwat Can Be Judge': Rahul Gandhi Renews Debate Challenge To PM Modi Over ‘Foreign Links’