📌 Major Highlights
- 🏸 PV Sindhu defeated Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi 21-17, 21-17 in the women’s singles final.
- 🇮🇳 She became the first Indian ever to win the prestigious Japan Open.
- 🏆 The title is Sindhu’s first BWF Super 750 trophy and her biggest triumph since the 2019 World Championships.
- 🔥 The victory also ended her title drought since winning the Syed Modi International in 2024.
- 👏 Union Ministers G. Kishan Reddy, Kiren Rijiju and Nitin Gadkari congratulated Sindhu on her historic achievement.
- 💬 Sindhu replied to G. Kishan Reddy with a warm message, saying they should have their annual breakfast soon.
PV Sindhu scripted another memorable chapter in Indian badminton by becoming the first Indian to win the Japan Open after defeating home favourite Akane Yamaguchi in the women’s singles final on Sunday.
The two-time Olympic medallist secured a commanding 21-17, 21-17 victory at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium, claiming her maiden Japan Open crown and first-ever BWF Super 750 title.
The triumph also marks Sindhu’s biggest title since winning the BWF World Championships in 2019 and ends a title drought that had lasted since the Syed Modi International in 2024.
PV Sindhu dominates Akane Yamaguchi in the final
Facing world No. 3 Akane Yamaguchi in front of a home crowd, Sindhu produced one of her finest performances in recent years.
The opening game remained closely contested before the Indian star pulled away in the closing stages with accurate smashes, sharp cross-court drops and disciplined defence to take it 21-17.
Sindhu carried the momentum into the second game, maintaining her attacking intent while repeatedly neutralising Yamaguchi’s trademark net play. Although the Japanese shuttler attempted a late comeback, Sindhu remained composed and sealed the match with another 21-17 win.
The victory makes her the first Indian shuttler in history to lift the prestigious Japan Open title.
A major comeback after injury setbacks
Sindhu’s victory comes after a challenging period marked by injuries and inconsistent form.
Over the past two years, questions had been raised about whether the former world champion could return to her best. Her Japan Open triumph now serves as a strong statement that she remains among the world’s elite badminton players.
Leaders congratulate PV Sindhu on historic victory
Following the historic win, several Union ministers and prominent personalities congratulated Sindhu on social media.
Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy praised the badminton star, saying her determination, resilience and pursuit of excellence continue to inspire millions of Indians while describing the victory as a moment of immense national pride.
Responding to the congratulatory message, Sindhu replied:
“Thank you very much, Sir. 🙏 We need to do our annual breakfast soon! We haven’t had one yet this year. 😊🙏💪”
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju also congratulated Sindhu, calling her “India’s darling” and saying she had once again made the country proud with her Japan Open triumph.
Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari described the victory as a proud moment for Indian badminton and congratulated Sindhu for becoming the first Indian shuttler to win the prestigious Japan Open women’s singles title. He also praised her resilience and determination while wishing her many more successes in the future.
Why is PV Sindhu’s Japan Open title historic?
- First Indian to win the Japan Open.
- First BWF Super 750 title of her career.
- Biggest title since becoming World Champion in 2019.
- Defeated world No. 3 Akane Yamaguchi on home soil.
- Ended her title drought since the Syed Modi International 2024.
Quick facts
Who did PV Sindhu beat in the Japan Open final?
She defeated Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi 21-17, 21-17.
Why is the Japan Open title historic?
Sindhu became the first Indian player to win the Japan Open.
Which title did PV Sindhu win before the Japan Open?
Her previous title was the Syed Modi International in 2024.
What was Sindhu’s biggest title before this?
The 2019 BWF World Championships.
