Two-time Olympic medallist and 2019 world champion P.V. Sindhu has announced that she will withdraw from all remaining Badminton World Federation (BWF) Tour events in 2025 to focus on her recovery from a lingering foot injury. The decision marks an early end to what has been a difficult year for the Indian badminton star as she looks to prioritize long-term fitness over short-term competition.
The 30-year-old shuttler revealed in a statement on Monday that the injury, sustained before the European leg of the season, had not yet fully healed. After consulting her support team and a panel of medical experts, including renowned sports orthopaedist Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala, Sindhu decided that a complete break from competition was necessary.
“The foot injury I sustained before the European leg has not fully recovered, and while it is never easy to accept, injuries are an inseparable part of every athlete’s journey,” Sindhu said. “They test your resilience and patience, but they also spark the fire to come back stronger.”
Sindhu, who remains one of India’s most decorated athletes, has already begun rehabilitation and training under the guidance of Dr. Wayne Lombard. She expressed optimism and determination in her recovery journey, saying, “Their belief in me fuels my own, and I feel motivated, grateful, and hungrier than ever for what lies ahead.”
The decision follows a challenging run of form in 2025, during which Sindhu struggled to find consistency on the BWF Tour. Her campaign included quarterfinal finishes at the India Open Super 750, the World Championships, and the China Masters Super 750 — solid results but below her usual standards.
The 2024 Paris Olympics had also ended in disappointment, with an early exit that left the Hyderabadi shuttler vowing to regroup and rebuild. Despite her recent struggles, Sindhu’s career remains glittering, highlighted by two Olympic medals, five World Championship podiums, and numerous BWF titles.
Last season, she had shown signs of resurgence, finishing runner-up at the Malaysia Masters and capturing the Syed Modi International Super 300 title in December — her first title in over a year.
While her withdrawal will leave a noticeable void in India’s representation on the circuit, Sindhu’s focus on recovery underscores her long-term commitment to extending her career and returning to peak form ahead of the next Olympic cycle. Fans and experts alike will now await her comeback in 2026, as she aims to write another chapter in her storied badminton journey.
