"Historic feat for Indian badminton": PM Modi hails PV Sindhu's Japan Open triumph
New Delhi, July 19
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday congratulated two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu on winning the Japan Open 2026, calling it a historic achievement for Indian badminton.
He praised her determination and exceptional performance throughout the tournament, noting that she is the first Indian to win the prestigious title. PM Modi said Sindhu's triumph would inspire countless young athletes across the country to pursue sports and excel.
Sindhu rediscovered her vintage best to capture her maiden Japan Open title, defeating home favourite and world No. 3 Akane Yamaguchi 21-17, 21-17 in the women's singles final of the BWF Super 750 tournament on Sunday.
"A historic feat for Indian badminton! Congratulations to PV Sindhu for emerging victorious in the Japan Open 2026. Her determination and exceptional skills were on full display 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," PM Modi wrote in an X post.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu hailed Sindhu's straight-games triumph over Akane Yamaguchi to clinch the Japan Open title, describing it as a landmark achievement for Indian badminton and extending his best wishes for the Olympics.
"Heartfelt congratulations to @Pvsindhu1 for a phenomenal straight-games victory (21-17, 21-17) against Yamaguchi to secure the Japan Open. A historic milestone for Indian badminton! All the best for Olympics Amma!" Naidu wrote in an X post.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis lauded Sindhu for scripting history by becoming the first Indian to win the Japan Open, saying her remarkable achievement reflects her perseverance and world-class talent.
"A historic feat for Indian badminton! Congratulations to PV Sindhu for emerging victorious in the Japan Open 2026. Her determination and exceptional skills were on full display 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," Fadnavis also wrote in an X post.
The victory marked Sindhu's first Super 750 title and ended a title drought of more than two years, while also making her the first Indian shuttler to win the prestigious Japan Open. It was her biggest triumph since lifting the BWF World Championships title in 2019.
With the victory in Tokyo, Sindhu not only claimed her maiden Japan Open crown but also sent a strong statement ahead of the major international events later this season.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Superb! Sindhu totally dominated Yamaguchi on her home turf. 21-17, 21-17—that's not just a win, that's a statement! After a two-year title drought, this comeback shows her mental strength. And PM Modi's praise is well-deserved. Our girls are truly ruling world badminton—Sindhu, Saina, and now the next gen like Anmol Kharb. Ladies' singles in India is in good hands! 👏
First Indian to win Japan Open—historic indeed! But let's not forget the role of her coaches and support staff. Gopichand's academy has been a factory of champions. While we celebrate Sindhu, we should also push for better training facilities in states like Andhra and Telangana where badminton has huge potential. Naidu's tweet was nice, but ground-level action matters more.
Brilliant performance from Sindhu! As someone who follows badminton globally, beating Yamaguchi in Japan is no joke—she's been in top form. This win will boost Indian badminton's reputation worldwide. However, I'd like to see more corporate sponsorships for our shuttlers so they don't have to solely depend on government support. The private sector should step up in a big way.
What a comeback! Two years without a Super 750 title and then she does this—pure class. Sindhu's resilience reminds me of the never-say-die attitude we Indians are known for. PM Modi's tweet is fine, but I really wish the sports ministry would increase funding for badminton at the district level. We have so much talent in rural areas that just needs a platform.
K We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.