6 days ago
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Posted On: July 19th 2026, 07:31 am
PV Sindhu has delivered the comeback Indian badminton had been waiting for, becoming the first Indian shuttler to win the prestigious Japan Open title.
The two-time Olympic medallist produced a commanding performance in Tokyo on Sunday, defeating home favourite and reigning world champion Akane Yamaguchi 21-17, 21-17 in the women’s singles final. The straight-games victory handed Sindhu her maiden Japan Open crown as well as the first BWF Super 750 title of her decorated career.
The triumph carried added significance because it marked Sindhu’s first major title in nearly seven years and her first victory over Yamaguchi in four years. Against a packed home crowd supporting the Japanese star, Sindhu remained composed, controlled the longer rallies and repeatedly used her attacking reach to put her opponent under pressure.
Her path to the trophy was equally impressive. Sindhu defeated world No. 5 Han Yue in straight games during the tournament before advancing past former world champion Nozomi Okuhara, who withdrew ahead of their quarter-final due to injury. In the semi-final, she was leading Olympic champion Chen Yufei 21-19, 15-10 when the Chinese shuttler retired with a hamstring injury.
The victory arrives after a difficult period in which Sindhu faced repeated early exits, injury troubles and growing questions about whether her best years were behind her. Following the historic run, she addressed those doubts, saying people had been asking whether her career was over, but she continued believing in herself.
At 31, Sindhu has now added another historic first to a career that already includes an Olympic silver, an Olympic bronze and a World Championship gold.
This was not merely another trophy. It was a reminder from one of India’s greatest athletes that champions may struggle, stumble and disappear from the podium—but they should never be counted out.
The two-time Olympic medallist produced a commanding performance in Tokyo on Sunday, defeating home favourite and reigning world champion Akane Yamaguchi 21-17, 21-17 in the women’s singles final. The straight-games victory handed Sindhu her maiden Japan Open crown as well as the first BWF Super 750 title of her decorated career.
The triumph carried added significance because it marked Sindhu’s first major title in nearly seven years and her first victory over Yamaguchi in four years. Against a packed home crowd supporting the Japanese star, Sindhu remained composed, controlled the longer rallies and repeatedly used her attacking reach to put her opponent under pressure.
Her path to the trophy was equally impressive. Sindhu defeated world No. 5 Han Yue in straight games during the tournament before advancing past former world champion Nozomi Okuhara, who withdrew ahead of their quarter-final due to injury. In the semi-final, she was leading Olympic champion Chen Yufei 21-19, 15-10 when the Chinese shuttler retired with a hamstring injury.
The victory arrives after a difficult period in which Sindhu faced repeated early exits, injury troubles and growing questions about whether her best years were behind her. Following the historic run, she addressed those doubts, saying people had been asking whether her career was over, but she continued believing in herself.
At 31, Sindhu has now added another historic first to a career that already includes an Olympic silver, an Olympic bronze and a World Championship gold.
This was not merely another trophy. It was a reminder from one of India’s greatest athletes that champions may struggle, stumble and disappear from the podium—but they should never be counted out.
Comments (331)
4 days agocoachdrparas
Writing history all over again. Her mental resilience and self-belief are an inspiration to millions. 👑🔥
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