PV Sindhu Creates History with Maiden Japan Open Title Ahead of Home World Championships
PV Sindhu delivered one of the finest performances of her career to script another chapter in Indian badminton history, becoming the first Indian to win the Japan Open women's singles title after defeating home favourite Akane Yamaguchi in straight games in the BWF Super 750 final on Sunday.
The former world champion defeated the two-time world champion 21-17, 21-17 in Tokyo, capping off a flawless campaign in which she did not drop a single game throughout the tournament. The victory also ended a title drought that stretched back to the Syed Modi International in 2024, giving Sindhu the perfect boost just weeks before the BWF World Championships 2026 in New Delhi.
Competing in front of a packed arena backing the Japanese star, Sindhu displayed remarkable composure and tactical discipline to silence the home crowd and secure one of the biggest victories of her recent career.
The Japan Open has long been one of the most prestigious events on the BWF World Tour calendar, attracting the world's strongest players every year. Despite India's growing stature in international badminton, no Indian had previously lifted the women's singles title in the tournament's history. Sindhu changed that with a commanding display that showcased both her experience and determination.
She controlled the pace of the opening game, staying patient during long rallies before capitalising on key errors from Yamaguchi to edge ahead 21-17. The second game followed a similar pattern. Yamaguchi attempted to increase the tempo and force Sindhu into mistakes, but the Indian responded with disciplined defence and precise attacking strokes whenever opportunities presented themselves.
Maintaining her composure during the closing stages, Sindhu once again closed out the game 21-17 to complete a memorable straight-games victory.
The significance of the victory was evident immediately after the final point. Having battled injuries, inconsistent form and growing external scrutiny over the past two seasons, Sindhu admitted the title carried deep emotional meaning.
"I had tears in my eyes because it was very, very important for me to win. I was really working hard on myself and kept believing that I could do it. Even though a lot of people were asking what was happening, I still believed in myself, my family, my coaches and my support staff," Sindhu said after the match.
Her words reflected the resilience that has defined much of her career.
Despite questions surrounding her form following the Paris Olympic cycle, the two-time Olympic medallist remained committed to rebuilding her game, and the Japan Open title is a testament to that perseverance.
What makes Sindhu's triumph even more impressive is the manner in which she achieved it. She completed the entire tournament without dropping a single game, underlining her dominance against a strong international field. Her path to the title included a quarterfinal where former world champion Nozomi Okuhara withdrew before the match, allowing Sindhu safe passage into the semifinals.
In the last four, Sindhu faced another major challenge in Tokyo Olympic champion Chen Yufei. The Indian had already taken control of the contest, leading 21-19, 15-10, before the Chinese star was forced to retire because of injury. Although the semifinal ended prematurely, Sindhu had looked the stronger player throughout the match and carried that momentum into the title clash against Yamaguchi.
Her victory over the Japanese ace completed an outstanding week that showcased her improved movement, sharper attack and renewed confidence.
The Japan Open title could hardly have come at a better time. The BWF World Championships 2026, scheduled to be held in New Delhi from August 17 to 23, are less than a month away, with India hosting badminton's biggest event for the first time in 17 years. Sindhu enters the Championships not only as India's biggest medal hope but also as one of the tournament favourites following her triumph in Tokyo.
Already a five-time World Championships medallist, Sindhu has built one of the most remarkable records in the competition's history.
Her achievements include gold in Basel in 2019, along with two silver and two bronze medals, making her one of the most successful players the tournament has ever seen.
Another podium finish in New Delhi would see her become the most successful medallist in the history of the BWF World Championships, adding even greater significance to her upcoming campaign.
The Japan Open victory also marks Sindhu's first BWF World Tour title outside India since the Singapore Open in 2022, ending a four-year wait for an overseas crown. It is another important addition to an already glittering resume that includes two Olympic medals, a World Championship title, Commonwealth Games success, Asian Games medals and numerous BWF World Tour victories.
More importantly, it signals that the 31-year-old remains capable of competing with—and defeating—the very best in the world.
As Indian badminton prepares for its biggest home event in nearly two decades, Sindhu's return to winning form could not have been more timely.
Her victory in Tokyo has not only ended a long wait for silverware but has also restored belief ahead of the World Championships. With confidence renewed, momentum on her side and history already made in Japan, PV Sindhu now heads home carrying the hopes of an entire nation as she prepares to chase another unforgettable chapter in her extraordinary career.
Comments (0)
to post comments, replies, and votes.
Loading comments…
