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PV Sindhu Suffers Shocking Early Exit at India Open 2026

PV Sindhu suffered a major upset at the India Open 2026, losing in three games to Vietnam's T.L. Nguyen in the Round of 32. After winning a tight first game, Sindhu was overpowered as Nguyen took control with aggressive play. This marks Sindhu's earliest exit from the tournament since 2023, ending her home campaign prematurely. The defeat comes after a semifinal run in Kuala Lumpur earlier in the season.

Key Points: PV Sindhu Crashes Out of India Open 2026 in Round of 32

  • Sindhu loses in Round of 32
  • Nguyen wins 22-20, 12-21, 15-21
  • Early exit since 2023
  • Upset at home tournament
2 min read

India Open 2026: PV Sindhu crashes out after loss to Vietnam's Nguyen

Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu stunned in three-game loss to Vietnam's T.L. Nguyen at India Open 2026, marking her earliest exit since 2023.

"The defeat marks an early end to Sindhu's campaign at her home tournament. - Report"

New Delhi, Jan 14

India's ace shuttler and two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu endured a shock early exit at the India Open 2026, suffering a three-game defeat to Vietnam's T.L. Nguyen in the Round of 32 at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium on Wednesday.

Sindhu started the contest on a positive note and showed her experience in the opening game, saving crucial points and edging past Nguyen 22-20 in a closely fought opener. The Indian relied on her strong defence and net play to seal the first game despite stiff resistance from the Vietnamese shuttler.

However, Nguyen turned the tables in the second game with an aggressive approach. She dominated the rallies, targeted Sindhu's backcourt effectively, and forced a series of unforced errors from the Indian to level the match with a commanding 21-12 win.

The decider saw Nguyen maintain her momentum as Sindhu struggled to regain control. The Vietnamese player kept the pressure on with sharp returns and consistent attacking play, gradually building a lead. Sindhu attempted a comeback, but Nguyen remained composed and closed out the match 21-15, sealing one of the biggest upsets of the tournament.

The defeat marks an early end to Sindhu's campaign at her home tournament, while Nguyen advanced with a confidence-boosting victory.

This first-round defeat marks a new low for the Indian star. This is Sindhu's earliest exit from the India Open since 2023. In last year's edition of the Super 750 tournament, she had reached the quarter-finals on home soil but failed to continue the momentum in the semi-finals.

Sindhu had a strong start to the 2026 season, reaching the semifinals of the Super 1000 Kuala Lumpur event in Malaysia. However, she lost to world number two Wang Zhiyi in a close encounter. Sindhu went down 16-21, 15-21 to the Chinese shuttler, missing an opportunity to avenge her loss to Wang, who had beaten her in last year's Malaysia Open final.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a badminton fan, you have to give credit to Nguyen. She played brilliantly and with no fear. Sometimes the underdog just has a great day. Sindhu is a champion, she'll analyze this and come back stronger.
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Ananya R
This is worrying. She's our top player and losing in the first round at the India Open is not a good sign. The competition is getting tougher from all Asian countries. We need to support her, but also need to see more consistency.
V
Vikram M
Injuries? Fatigue? Something seems off. After a good start in Malaysia, this is a big dip. Maybe she needs a break or a change in training. The pressure of playing at home can be immense too.
K
Karthik V
Respectfully, we put too much pressure on our stars. One loss and everyone starts questioning her career. She's a two-time Olympic medallist! Let the player breathe. Upsets happen in sports.
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Priya S
Feel so sad for her. The crowd in Delhi would have been rooting for her. Hope this doesn't affect her confidence. Onwards and upwards, Sindhu! We are still with you. 💪

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