New Delhi: Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu is setting her sights on a record-breaking sixth World Championships medal, stating that her "hunger towards the game" remains as intense as when she launched her senior career as a 14-year-old in 2009.

Sindhu already boasts five World Championships medals, having secured two bronze, two silver, and a gold in 2019. Reaching the semi-finals at the marquee event, which begins on Monday, would guarantee her at least a bronze and establish her as the first player in the competition's history to claim six medals.

Only two other players have accumulated five World Championships medals — China's Lin Dan, who captured five men's singles golds, and compatriot Zhao Yunlei, who won three mixed doubles and two women's doubles crowns.

"I'm very excited and looking forward to getting a lot of support from the Indian crowd. This World Championships is special because it is happening in India after 17 years. Hope I will get a medal here," Sindhu said during a pre-tournament press conference on Sunday.

"I would say, and I think each win or medal gave me a different kind of experience. Having five medals at the World Championships is an amazing journey. The transition has been in such a way that it is wonderful. Getting a medal itself is an amazing moment.

"I just have to go out there and put my best out there irrespective of the result. The hunger towards the game hasn't changed. I know it is in me and I can still do it. I am much more experienced and stronger than my first World Championships," a confident Sindhu added.

The 31-year-old enters the tournament with renewed momentum after ending a nearly two-year title drought by winning the Japan Open recently.

"Yes, it was a long wait, but the Japan Open gave me confidence ahead of the World Championships. Definitely, after winning the Japan Open, that gave me a lot of boost.

"I think physically and mentally it has been quite good. I am able to see the changes in terms of my game and my movement. I am happy it is going in the right way," Sindhu said.

Sindhu acknowledged that expectations and pressure would be present when she begins her women's singles campaign against Ireland's Sophia Noble on Monday.

"There will be butterflies because I don't deny that there is no pressure; there is pressure. There is nothing to lose; I just want to give my best. I have trained hard and will just try to give my best on the court."

The star shuttler noted that badminton has evolved significantly over time, adding that the upcoming 15-point scoring system, slated for introduction next year, will bring a new tactical test.

"Quite a few changes in terms of game, in terms of how you think and strategise. Badminton as a sport itself has changed. Earlier, women's singles was more of attacking, more fast-paced, but now it's more of long rallies and more time on court. So you need more patience now," Sindhu said.

"The new scoring system it is going to be very challenging. If it is 21 points, there is still time to recover even if you are 0-7 down, but in 15 you are gone.

"You need to be on your feet from point one - you can't take it easy, and comebacks will be difficult."

The World Championships return to India for the first time since Hyderabad hosted the showpiece in 2009.

The New Delhi event comes under close observation following operational difficulties at the India Open earlier this year, where issues regarding air quality, venue cleanliness, bird droppings, and stray animals generated substantial scrutiny.

The Sports Authority of India, Badminton Association of India, and partner agencies have since implemented facility upgrades and logistical adjustments to ensure the marquee event proceeds without disruption.

"I think it's really good to have that scope of thinking and making it happen in India. PM Sir (Narendra Modi) has that vision that we can host it," Sindhu said.

"Here the conditions and everything - the way they have changed is really good. The arrangements are good, and I appreciate the work that the association and the government has done.

"I really appreciate their efforts. I have come yesterday and played today; we have really good sessions out there. Everything is comfortable, and everything is good. From the washrooms to the people out here. They have put in all the efforts to make it happen. This will be one of the greatest World Championships."

PTI