New Delhi, July 20: Indian badminton star and two-time Olympic medallist P.V. Sindhu etched her name into the record books after becoming the first Indian to win the prestigious Japan Open women’s singles title, ending a 19-month title drought and reaffirming her status as one of the country’s greatest sporting icons. The historic triumph came after Sindhu defeated Japan’s three-time world champion and home favourite Akane Yamaguchi in straight games, 21-17, 21-17, in the Super 750 final at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium.
The victory marks Sindhu’s first-ever Super 750 title and her biggest tournament win since claiming the World Championships crown in 2019. It also ends months of speculation surrounding her form after a challenging period marked by injuries and inconsistent performances. Throughout the tournament, the 31-year-old displayed the aggressive, attacking style of badminton that has defined her career, defeating several top-ranked opponents before overcoming Yamaguchi in front of a passionate home crowd.
Sindhu was forced to recover from an early deficit in the opening game before taking control with powerful smashes, precise net play and disciplined defence. She maintained the momentum in the second game, denying Yamaguchi any opportunity to stage a comeback and sealing the championship in just under an hour. As the winning point was secured, an emotional Sindhu celebrated with tears, reflecting the significance of a victory that marked her return to the pinnacle of world badminton.
The achievement has drawn widespread praise from across the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Sindhu, describing the victory as “a historic feat for Indian badminton” and noting that her determination and exceptional skill would inspire countless young athletes. Messages of appreciation also poured in from fellow sportspersons, fans and industry leaders, who hailed her resilience and perseverance.
Beyond the title itself, the Japan Open triumph provides a significant confidence boost ahead of the, scheduled to be held in New Delhi next month. With renewed confidence and a return to championship-winning form, Sindhu has once again established herself as one of India’s strongest medal contenders on the international stage.
