A Historic Comeback for Sindhu: First Indian to Lift Coveted Tournament Trophy After 7 Years

Sindhu Scripts History with First-Ever Japan Open Crown

IIE DIGITAL: After a long wait for a major title, PV Sindhu finally returned to the top with a historic achievement. The Indian badminton star scripted history on Sunday by defeating Japan’s star shuttler Akane Yamaguchi to win the Japan Open, becoming the first Indian player ever to lift the prestigious title.

Sindhu delivered a stunning performance in the final to achieve a milestone that had remained out of reach for Indian badminton players. No Indian had previously managed to become a Japan Open champion, but Sindhu changed that with a remarkable display of skill, determination, and composure.

The victory also ended Sindhu’s prolonged wait for a major title. Her last tournament triumph came at the Syed Modi International in 2024, but after that, she struggled to maintain consistency. However, her wait for a major open title had stretched even further, with the Olympic medallist going nearly seven years without winning a major championship.

Sindhu’s career faced a difficult phase after the 2022 Commonwealth Games, when an ankle injury raised concerns about her future in the sport. Many believed the injury could significantly affect her career but the two-time Olympic medallist proved her critics wrong with a remarkable comeback.

The Indian shuttler gradually regained her lost form at the beginning of this year, but her long-awaited return to the winner’s podium finally came in Japan. The final was expected to be a tough battle as she faced home favourite Akane Yamaguchi, a player Sindhu had struggled against in recent years.

Before this match, Sindhu had not defeated Yamaguchi even once in the last four years. Playing on her home court, the Japanese star also enjoyed strong crowd support. However, Sindhu took control of the match from the very beginning and showcased her experience under pressure.

Although Yamaguchi fought back at several stages by winning quick points, Sindhu remained focused and secured the first game 21-17. The second game followed a similar pattern. Sindhu started strongly, but Yamaguchi fought back and tried to turn the momentum in her favour. The Japanese player reduced the gap and made a strong comeback after trailing 14-7, moving closer at 17-14.

However, Sindhu maintained her calm during the crucial moments. A series of unforced errors from Yamaguchi helped Sindhu regain control, and she eventually won the second game 21-17 to seal the championship. The emotional victory brought tears to Sindhu’s eyes as she celebrated her first major open title in seven years. After the match, she admitted that the win held special significance for her and came at an important stage of her career.

With this confidence-boosting victory, Sindhu is now aiming to carry the momentum forward as she prepares for the upcoming World Championships, hoping to add more achievements to her already illustrious career.