PV Sindhu’s Emotional Victory: A New Chapter Begins
When PV Sindhu raised her arms in joy after winning the final point in Tokyo, her tears represented more than just a win; they symbolized relief and triumph after nearly two years without a title. It was a moment that reflected months of hard work, recovery from injuries, and doubts about whether she could reclaim her former glory.
“I had tears in my eyes because this win was very important for me,” Sindhu shared after defeating Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi 21-17, 21-17 at the Japan Open Super 750 on Sunday. “I had been working really hard, and I kept believing in myself. Many were asking what had happened to me, but I stayed focused on my faith in my family, coaches, and support team.”
Belief proved stronger than the doubts. This victory ended Sindhu’s 19-month title drought and marked her first major win since the World Championships in Basel in 2019. It also silenced critics who wondered if the two-time Olympic medalist could still compete at the highest level.
Throughout the tournament in Tokyo, Sindhu left no room for uncertainty. She won every match without dropping a single game, becoming the first Indian to win the Japan Open. Her journey included a stunning win over former Olympic champion Chen Yufei in the semi-finals and a strong performance against the reigning world champion Yamaguchi in the final.
It had been a long wait since Sindhu last claimed a BWF title, topping her only gold at the Commonwealth Games in 2022. An injury later that year had hampered her progress, leading to a series of mixed results. Yet, this year hinted at a resurgence. With the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics in her sights, she had started to show promise, reaching the semi-finals in several tournaments before her breakthrough in Tokyo.
Against Yamaguchi, Sindhu displayed one of her best games in years. She quickly took control, establishing a 3-0 lead and showcasing her feared smashes. Even when Yamaguchi leveled the first game at 16-16, Sindhu remained composed, closing it out and dominating the second game to secure her victory in just 50 minutes.
This impressive performance is the result of months of hard work. Under the guidance of Indonesian coach Irwansyah Adi Pratama, Sindhu has embraced an aggressive playing style and improved her movement on the court, significantly reducing the unforced errors that had affected her game.
“My strength has always been my attack,” Sindhu explained. “By moving and attacking well and limiting mistakes, I can change the game.”
Throughout the week, her focus on remaining calm was evident. “When you’re leading, there’s a temptation to rush and finish quickly, which can lead to mistakes. My coach reminded me to concentrate on the next point, and that made a difference.”
Upon winning the title, Sindhu graciously acknowledged her team’s support, inviting her coach onto the podium and thanking all those who stood by her during tough times. She specifically mentioned her strength and conditioning coach, Wayne Lombard, and expressed gratitude to her family for their unwavering support.
The timing of this win couldn’t be better, especially with the upcoming World Championships in Delhi. “This victory gives me a lot of confidence,” Sindhu stated. “I aim to maintain this tempo and calmness to keep succeeding.”
While this victory won’t erase the challenges of the past, it marks a turning point for PV Sindhu. For the first time in a long while, she appears not just as a former champion but as a contender ready to reclaim her place among the best in badminton. And that, perhaps, is what makes this victory truly special.
