PV Sindhu wins Japan Open 2025, first Indian to claim Super 750 Tokyo title
Synopsis
PV Sindhu did what no Indian had done before — win the Japan Open — and she did it by dismantling four-time champion Yamaguchi on her home court. The Super 750 title ends a seven-year drought at that level and lands at the perfect moment: the BWF World Championships come to New Delhi next month, and Sindhu now arrives seeded, in form, and with the nation watching.
Key Takeaways
PV Sindhu defeated Akane Yamaguchi 21-17, 21-17 on 19 July at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium to win the Japan Open Super 750 .
She is the first Indian ever to win the Japan Open title.
The victory ends a seven-year wait for a Super 750 or above title, and a two-year BWF World Tour drought .
The win pushes Sindhu back into the world's Top 8 , likely earning her a seeding at the BWF World Championships in New Delhi next month.
Tributes poured in from BAI , Andhra Pradesh Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan , Union Minister Kiren Rijiju , and former cricketer Shikhar Dhawan .
PV Sindhu scripted history on 19 July at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium, defeating four-time champion Akane Yamaguchi 21-17, 21-17 to become the first Indian ever to win the Japan Open — a BWF World Tour Super 750 title that ended a seven-year wait for a tournament of this stature. The former world champion and two-time Olympic medallist also snapped a two-year drought at the BWF World Tour level, triggering a nationwide outpouring of praise from fans, political leaders, and sporting icons.
Historic Win in Tokyo
Sindhu's straight-games victory over Yamaguchi — on the Japanese star's home court — was as commanding as the scoreline suggests. She controlled rallies with patience and discipline, minimising unforced errors in a performance that former national chief coach Vimal Kumar described as a textbook execution of tactics. The win marks her biggest Tour title since the World Tour Finals and China Open, won in 2018 and 2016 respectively. Her last BWF World Tour crown before this was the Syed Modi International in December 2024.
What Vimal Kumar Said
'This title was long overdue and is a richly deserved reward for your perseverance, resilience, and belief. 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,' Vimal Kumar posted on X.
He added: 'It was always a matter of getting the tactics right, playing with patience and discipline, and cutting down on unforced errors. Today's performance reflected exactly that. 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.'
Tributes from Leaders and Sporting Icons
The Badminton Association of India (BAI) called it 'absolutely legendary,' hailing Sindhu as 'the queen of Indian badminton' who has 'rewritten the history books once again.' Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan congratulated Sindhu on X, saying her 'fearless performance against Akane Yamaguchi on her home court was a true display of grit, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of an Indian champion.' Former India cricketer Shikhar Dhawan wrote: 'Champions rise when it matters the most... A phenomenal performance, incredible resilience, and another proud moment for Indian sport.' Union Minister Kiren Rijiju posted on X: 'Hearty congratulations to India's darling @Pvsindhu1 on winning the Japan Open!! You have made India proud again!'
Why This Victory Matters
Sindhu's triumph carries significance beyond the trophy. The Super 750 ranking points push her back inside the world's Top 8, which is expected to earn her a seeding at the upcoming BWF World Championships in New Delhi — a decisive advantage in the draw. This is the third major milestone of her career after Olympic silvers in Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020, and the World Championship gold in 2019. Notably, it also demonstrates that her coaching and support setup has found the right formula at the right time.
What Comes Next
All eyes now turn to the BWF World Championships in New Delhi, scheduled next month. With momentum, a Super 750 title, and a likely seeding in hand, Sindhu enters the home tournament as one of the strongest contenders. As Vimal Kumar put it: 'The momentum has begun — keep it going!'
Point of View
A home event where a favourable bracket could be the difference between a medal and an early exit. The more pointed question is whether the coaching setup has genuinely cracked the consistency code or whether this is a peak-form outlier. Yamaguchi is the world's best on her day; beating her in straight games suggests the former. Indian badminton has had too many 'momentum' moments that faded — this one, with a home World Championship as the immediate next stop, has a real chance to be different.
NationPress
20 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did PV Sindhu win at the Japan Open 2025?
PV Sindhu won the Japan Open Super 750 title on 19 July 2025 in Tokyo, defeating four-time champion Akane Yamaguchi 21-17, 21-17 in the final. She became the first Indian ever to win the Japan Open.
Why is Sindhu's Japan Open win historically significant?
It is the first time any Indian player has won the Japan Open, and it ends Sindhu's seven-year wait for a Super 750 or above BWF World Tour title. The win also ends a two-year overall BWF World Tour drought for her.
How does this win affect Sindhu's ranking and seeding?
The Super 750 ranking points push Sindhu back inside the world's Top 8, which is expected to earn her a seeding at the upcoming BWF World Championships in New Delhi. A seeding gives her a significant draw advantage at the year's biggest event.
When and where are the BWF World Championships being held?
The BWF World Championships are scheduled to be held in New Delhi next month, according to reports. Sindhu will enter the tournament in strong form following her Japan Open triumph.
Who congratulated PV Sindhu on her Japan Open victory?
Tributes came from the Badminton Association of India (BAI), Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, former cricketer Shikhar Dhawan, and former national chief coach Vimal Kumar, among others.
