Tokyo: India’s PV Sindhu created history on Sunday by becoming the first Indian shuttler to win the prestigious Japan Open women’s singles title. The two-time Olympic medallist produced a commanding performance to defeat reigning world champion Akane Yamaguchi of Japan 21-17, 21-17 in the final, ending a 19-month title drought and marking a remarkable return to the top level of world badminton.

The 31-year-old wrapped up the contest in just 50 minutes, displaying the aggressive, attacking style that made her one of the most successful players on the BWF World Tour. The victory is expected to provide a major confidence boost ahead of next month’s BWF World Championships.

Historic triumph for Indian badminton

Sindhu became the first Indian to lift the Japan Open title, adding another milestone to her decorated career.

The victory also marked her first BWF World Tour title since winning the Syed Modi International in December 2024 and her first Super 750 title or above since capturing the World Championships crown in Basel in 2019.

Although Sindhu won the Commonwealth Games gold medal in 2022, injuries, including a stress fracture in her left ankle, interrupted her progress and affected her consistency in subsequent seasons.

Dominant display against world champion

Sindhu started the final confidently, racing to a 3-0 lead and immediately putting Yamaguchi under pressure with powerful smashes and precise shot-making.

Her attacking intent prevented the Japanese star from settling into the match, while her smooth transition from defence to attack repeatedly earned crucial points.

Although Yamaguchi fought back to level the opening game at 16-16, Sindhu maintained her composure and closed out the first game 21-17.

She carried the momentum into the second game, engaging in long rallies before unleashing a series of powerful winners to keep the reigning world champion on the defensive.

Sindhu never allowed her opponent to gain control, sealing another 21-17 victory to clinch the title.

Emotional celebration

The closing moments of the final briefly turned tense when Sindhu believed she had secured the winning point after Yamaguchi’s return was called out.

However, the Japanese player challenged the decision, leading to a short video review.

When the review confirmed the original decision, Sindhu bowed down and touched the court before celebrating with raised arms.

She then embraced her coach, Irwansyah Adi Pratama, sharing an emotional moment after ending her long wait for a major title.

Victory ends long title drought

Speaking after the final, Sindhu admitted the victory meant a great deal after nearly two years without a major title.

“I’m just out of words because it has been 19 months since the last time I won. This one was very important to me. Playing in the final is one thing, but standing on the podium with the gold medal is something completely different. This victory gives me a lot of confidence,” she said.

The triumph capped an encouraging season in which Sindhu consistently progressed to the later stages of major tournaments.

She reached the semi-finals of the Malaysia Open Super 1000, the quarter-finals of the Indonesia Masters Super 500, and the semi-finals of the Australian Open before arriving in Tokyo refreshed after a month-long break.

Coach’s influence paying dividends

Sindhu credited coach Irwansyah Adi Pratama, who joined her coaching team in 2025, for helping her rediscover the attacking game that once made her one of the world’s most feared players.

She also thanked strength and conditioning coach Wayne Lombard, her support staff, parents, in-laws and her husband for supporting her through both victories and defeats.

The improved fitness and renewed aggression displayed throughout the tournament reflected the work carried out with her coaching team over the past year.

Focus shifts to World Championships

The former world champion said the Japan Open victory had significantly boosted her confidence ahead of next month’s BWF World Championships.

She said her aim was to maintain the same confidence, composure and intensity in the tournaments ahead.

Sindhu will next compete at the China Open Super 1000, beginning on July 21, where she is scheduled to face fellow Indian Unnati Hooda in the opening round.

Her historic triumph in Tokyo marks one of the biggest achievements of her recent career and reinforces her status as one of India’s finest badminton players as she continues her preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.