Indian badminton has another landmark to celebrate. PV Sindhu has won the women's singles title at the Japan Open 2026, becoming the first Indian player to claim this trophy, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated her for the feat on X.
Who Sindhu beat in the final
The Japan Open 2026 final carried extra significance for Sindhu, marking her first title match since 2024. She faced reigning World Champion Akane Yamaguchi, a longtime rival, in a contest billed as a clash between two of the sport's biggest names. Sindhu came out on top in that showdown to lift the trophy.
What Narendra Modi said
Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) took to X to call it a historic feat for Indian badminton. He congratulated Sindhu for emerging victorious at the Japan Open 2026, writing, "Her determination and exceptional skills were on full display throughout the tournament." Modi also pointed out that she is the first Indian to win this title, calling that fact especially significant.
Sindhu's standout season
The win adds to what has been a strong stretch for Sindhu. She was recently elected Chair of the BWF Athletes' Commission for the 2026-2029 term, reflecting her stature in the sport. The Japan Open 2026 title now ranks among the biggest achievements of her career.
Part of a bigger rise for Indian badminton
Sindhu's title comes amid a broader rise in Indian badminton. Modi had earlier praised the Indian women's team after their historic win at the Badminton Asia Team Championships in 2024. Indian shuttlers have also picked up big results recently, including Ayush Shetty's US Open title and Tanvi Sharma's silver at the BWF World Junior Championships, among other results. Sindhu's Japan Open 2026 crown adds another marquee title to that growing list.
Public reaction
Reactions to Modi's post were mixed. Many users celebrated Sindhu's win with pride, calling it a proud moment for Indian badminton, while some others used the post to raise unrelated criticism of the government.
