‘Tall’ Sindhu scales new heights at Tokyo by becoming first Indian to win Japan Open title

Olympic champion Pusarla Venkata Sindhu soared to a new high when she became the first Indian to win a Super Series in Japan Open on Sunday. The 31-year-old decimated her arch-rival and hosts’ favourite Akane Yamaguchi 21-17, 2-17.

This is the first time that an Indian badminton player, either male or female, has won the Japan Open (the only other previous finalist was Prakash Padukone in 1983).

Sindhu has been erratic in her performance of late and seemed to be out of sync with the game but at the Japan Open she showed glimpses of her prime form.

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It has been quite a while know since she had won a title. In fact, she had to wait 595 days for this title. The Japan Open title is her first World Tour title since 2024 (Syed Modi International in December 2024).

It is also the first BWF World Tour title outside India since the Singapore Open in 2022 and adds another milestone to the career of the 2019 world champion, who has won five medals at the BWF World Championships, including the historic gold in Basel.

Sindhu enters maiden Super 750 final at Japan Open as Chen Yufei retires hurt while trailing

It’s only her second win in 7 meetings against the Japanese star. The fact that it came in Yamaguchi’s backyard makes it even more special. It is also the maiden Super 750 title win for the Indian.

The title assumes significance for the two-time Olympian medal as India will host the World Championship in a couple of days at Delhi.

Irwansyah changed Sindhu’s game a bit

This is also the first time Sindhu won a major title since teaming up with renowned coach Irwansyah Adi Pratama. The Indonesian has taken over as the head coach of India’s women’s singles players in early 2025. He had previously coached the Indonesian men’s singles team.

P V Sindhu celebrates with coach Irwansyah Adi Pratama. Pics: Badminton Photo

The coach has changed her game a bit and there is an increase in Sindhu’s speed, power, and on-court aggression. According to reports, Irwansyah focuses not just on rigorous training regimens, but also on helping his players connect with the game and enjoy the sport.

Long overdue title for Sindhu, says Vimal

Former India player U Vimal Kumar said this title was long overdue for Sindhu and is a richly deserved reward for her perseverance, resilience, and belief.

In a message the coach said it was a perfect confidence booster ahead of the BWF World Championships in Delhi next month. “It’s wonderful to see Sindhu back in the world’s Top 8, which should earn her a crucial seeding, a significant advantage at the biggest event of the year.”

With tactics playing a big role in any big tournaments, Sindhu, according to Vimal, got her tactics right. “Playing with patience and discipline, and cutting down on unforced errors, today’s performance reflected exactly that,” he said.

“Delighted for the entire coaching and support team as well. They have continued to believe, work hard, and this success is a well-deserved reward for their efforts,” he said.

When people were talking negatively about Sindhu’s performances and losses, she silenced all the critics with an impeccable and clinical display of smart badminton at Tokyo, says Manoj Kumar

Former international Manoj Kumar said Sindhu deserved the title. “What a comeback for her in international badminton. When people were talking negatively about her performances and losses, she silenced all the critics with an impeccable and clinical display of smart badminton at Tokyo.”

Manoj felt it was a huge confidence booster before the Delhi World Championship. “This will indeed raise her confidence in her game. Playing in front of the home crowd, we may find Sindhu at a different level. She has the best chance to win her second World Championship title.”

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“She is easily the greatest Indian badminton player. Look at her wins – from Olympics (2 medals), World Championships, Super Series – she has been one of the greatest shuttler of the country.”

Sindhu a more mature player now: Jwala

Jwala Gutta, a former world championship doubles bronze medallist, said: “That is Sindhu for you. She has the heart of a lion. She has that never give-up spirit. In fact, for the last one year many were skeptical of her game. But I was always confident that Sindhu would silently work to her top. Now, she has a good team whom she could rely upon and work on her game,” said Jwala.

The doubles specialist said it is proud to see a big smile back and a great feeling to stand on the podium with a gold medal. “She is a more mature player now. It is a good change that there is a change in her tactics. She is no longer young enough to play an aggressive game. She can’t always rely on speed. Now she has evolved herself and nicely slows down the game. She has set up her own pace. Of course, she has to learn how to slow down the game. It is not always a fast, fast and fast game. She is playing soft badminton. There will be more challenges ahead but she is a now an experienced player to play according to the situation.”

PV Sindhu and Jwala Gutta

Jwala believes that Sindhu was always mentally strong. “That is the reason she is continuing to play. It was a matter of time that she won the title. I have been to talking to her and had that confidence in her.”

Jwala said Sindhu is a legend but we had a few incredible performances from other players also. “We have to give credit to others. But after seeing Saina Nehwal winning so many titles, Sindhu took a step ahead of others when looking at her performances at Olympics, Commonwealth Games, World Championship, Asian Games etc. She is extra special.”

Sindhu is playing a more calculated game now: Sumeeth

Sumeeth Reddy, a former Indian doubles specialist, said by this win, Sindhu made a big statement that she is there for the next few years. “She is playing a more calculated game. For sure, she has slowed down her game and is playing to her pace. That is exactly what she did against Yamaguchi today.”

“She had multiple coaches in the last few years. But the good thing about her is that she is a good listener. She is still hungry to win. That is the driving force,” he said.

Veteran coach Bhaskar Babu said that her belief made her one of the greatest players. “That mental toughness is the key to her success. The way she embraces pressure is stunning indeed. It is a lesson to any young player how to make a comeback and win titles. Hats off to her indomitable spirit. She is a joy to Indian badminton. She is a champion player and always a champion player.”