“When you lose in the quarterfinals or semifinals, you actually learn a lot from those mistakes.”

I just can’t do without music.

We can’t play if we are ill or not completely fit.

I have no tension. I only play to give my best.

When I started, I didn’t think I would become a great player. It was my passion; I had interest. My parents supported me. In that way, I continued.

Life has changed both on and off the court after the Rio Olympics medal. I have a lot of confidence on the court now and feel anything is possible. I also feel that I have improved my game. Off the court, I do get recognised more now.

Women’s badminton has become so competitive.

I love making friends and make others happy. But I also love to be happy all the time. All that aggression that you see remains on the court only.

Every tournament I have won has been memorable.

Hard work is the key for success.

I have learnt many things, but there’s more to learn. Every day is a new start.

I want to beat everyone I’m playing against.

It is very important to be confident and strong even if you lose, because you know there are tournaments coming up next, and you have to be prepared for it.

What hurts most is whenever I am leading, and then I lose the match, it is disappointing, and there are so many such matches.

It is hard to lose for everybody.

I love dressing up, and I’m aware that people do say that it can take your attention away from the game. But I disagree with this notion!

I was lucky to get good coaches and infrastructure that I needed. To become a champion, it is not just a few months’ practice: it takes years to make a champion.