3 obstacles in PV Sindhu's path to potential Olympic Gold Medal at Tokyo 2020

#2 The Return of Carolina Marin

Marin won the China Open on her return from injury

One week after her knee surgery, videos surfaced of Carolina Marin practicing her strokes on court while sitting on a chair. Such is the Spaniard's dedication and determination to retain her Gold medal at the Olympics next year.

Not surprisingly, just last week, Marin returned in fine fashion from a career threatening knee injury to win the Super Series 1000 title in China.

With Marin's unmatched resolve and her better head-to-head record (8 wins and 5 losses) against Sindhu, the Indian will face an uphill battle if drawn against the Spaniard in Tokyo next year. It will be interesting to observe the changes that Sindhu incorporates into her game to overcome Marin's unorthodox attack.

#1 Elevated Competition in Women's Singles

PV Sindhu (left) and Tai Tzu Ying (right)

Women's Singles has never been more entertaining in years. With the likes of Taiwanese sensation Tai Tzu Ying, Japan's wonder Akane Yamaguchi, Thailand's superstar Ratchanok Intanon, China's gem Chen Yufei and even America's rising talent Beiwen Zhang - who beat Sindhu a couple of days ago - the division is packed with flair and flamboyance like never before!

Fortunately, PV Sindhu is among the cream of the crop! But badminton is an unpredictable sport. Momentum plays a huge role in determining the outcome of any match. And to top it all, it only takes a few good rallies to turn the momentum in one's favour.

Amidst competition that possesses skill, experience and a burning desire to win a Gold medal for their countries, Sindhu will face challenges aplenty as she strives to do the same for India.