New Delhi, July 19: Star shuttler PV Sindhu has become the first Indian to win the Japan Open. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the two-time Olympic medalist for this historic achievement, calling it a “historic milestone for Indian badminton” that will inspire generations of young athletes across the country.
On Sunday, Sindhu defeated local favorite and four-time champion Akane Yamaguchi in the women’s singles final at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium, winning 21-17, 21-17 and ending a two-year wait for a BWF World Tour title.
Congratulating the former world champion, the Prime Minister praised her determination and consistency throughout the tournament on the social media platform X, stating, “A historic achievement for Indian badminton. Congratulations to PV Sindhu for winning the Japan Open 2026. Her determination and exceptional skill were evident throughout the tournament. The fact that she is the first Indian to win this title makes this achievement even more special. It will inspire countless young athletes across the country to play and shine.”
This title marks Sindhu’s first BWF World Tour crown since winning the Syed Modi International in December 2024, ending a seven-year wait for a title at the Super 750 level or higher.
The 31-year-old athlete had an impressive journey to the title, defeating Tokyo Olympic champion Chen Yufei and world number 5 Han Yu before overcoming Yamaguchi in the final. After a tightly contested opening game that was tied at 17-17, Sindhu won four consecutive points to take the first game. She maintained her momentum in the second game, building a significant lead before securing a memorable victory, becoming the first Indian champion in this prestigious tournament.
Deependra Singh Chundawat is a Senior Sub-Editor at Udaipur Kiran, specializing in a wide range of technology topics including mobile phones, applications, gaming, PCs, and wearables. Along with covering the latest tech news, he also creates engaging web stories. Passionate about emerging technologies, he stays up to date with the newest trends and enjoys reading and writing about the latest mobile launches and digital innovations.
