NEW DELHI: Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu delivered a powerful message on resilience and perseverance, saying “I have lost more matches than I’ve won at times,” during an engaging interaction with students at DPS International, Gurugram on Tuesday.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!In a candid fireside chat with education leader Devyani Jaipuria, Sindhu spoke about the realities behind success, stressing that achievements are rarely immediate and often built on repeated failures.
“I have lost more matches than I’ve won at times. But there is always a next time. You have to keep trying every single time and believe that you can do it,” Sindhu said, underlining the importance of persistence.Reflecting on her own journey, including multiple near-misses before finally clinching World Championship gold, Sindhu admitted there were moments of doubt. “There were moments when I thought maybe it is not meant for me. But I kept going, and that belief made all the difference,” she said.‘Hard work is key’ across sport and academicsSindhu’s message to students was clear — success demands consistent effort, regardless of the field. “Hard work is the key, whether it is in studies or in sport. Nobody is born with a golden spoon,” she said.Jaipuria echoed the sentiment, emphasising the role of sport in shaping life skills. “Sport teaches some of the most valuable lessons about perseverance, discipline and the courage to pursue ambitious goals,” she said.She also highlighted the need to rethink education systems. “We cannot continue to treat sport as something secondary. It is one of the most powerful classrooms for life skills,” Jaipuria added.Support systems crucial in long road to successThe discussion also focused on the importance of strong support systems. Jaipuria pointed out that behind every successful individual lies a network of mentors, family and community support.Sindhu agreed, crediting her parents and coaches for standing by her through highs and lows. “It is very important to support children in what they want to do. Success does not come easy. Sometimes it takes years, and that is when support matters the most,” she said.
