Top Indian shuttler PV Sindhu, who suffered a shocking defeat recently in the South Asian Games, is confident of putting up a better show in the Badminton Asia Championship to be held here from February 15 to 21.
"Draw wise we have to play against Singapore and Japan. I think it's a good draw comparatively. We hope to play well. All the players are fit and strong enough. So, I hope for better results," Sindhu told reporters here.
Indian men face a tough challenge, grouped with top seed China and Singapore, while the women's team has an easier grouping, being clubbed with Japan and Singapore in the championship to be held at the Gachibowli indoor stadium here.
She expressed confidence the Indians can beat Japan in singles and that the famed doubles pair of Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa should also do well.
"India is quite good. Japan, singles, we can beat them. I am confident. Doubles also, Jwala and Ashwini, if they continue do well, it is good," she said.
Asked about the prospect of her having to play in the second doubles matches as one of the doubles players is down with an injury, she said she is ready for the fight.
"I am ready. Anybody (partner) is fine," she said.
Sindhu said she was not very disappointed with the loss to Ruthvika Shivani in the SAG as she could not give her best in the match.
"It was not my day. Also, it was change in the racquet. Basically, I did not play my proper game. I was pretty confident. But, so many unforced errors from my side."
Sindhu said she does not have any fitness concerns and hoped to give her best in the Badminton Asia tournament.
"Totally injury free right now. Perfectly alright, training wise, on court and everything. I hope for the best," she said.
The young shuttler said it will be tough for the Indian team if Saina Nehwal, who could not play in the SAG, is unavailable for the upcoming tournament.
"It will be a challenge. If she is not there, I think it is really tough. Me playing singles and after that again doubles players. Each and every match will be a challenge. Not only my match, as a team," she said.
Sindhu said she would play in, among others, All England Championship, Singapore and India Open ahead of Rio Olympics.
Sindhu, who is currently ranked world number 12, said she is confident of her ranking going up again if she does well in the super series events.
"If you really play well and get good results and play semis, finals, getting some medals in super series, I think that itself will give so many points and automatically ranking will improve," she said.
