PV Sindhu scripted history at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium on 19 July, defeating four-time champion Akane Yamaguchi 21-17, 21-17 to become the first Indian to win the Japan Open — a Super 750 crown that ended her seven-year wait for a title at that level. The victory also snapped a two-year drought on the BWF World Tour for the former world champion and two-time Olympic medallist.

A Win Seven Years in the Making

Sindhu's last Super 750 or above title came at the World Tour Finals in 2018 and the China Open in 2016. Her most recent BWF World Tour title before Tokyo was the Syed Modi International in December 2024. The Japan Open triumph, therefore, represents the highest-ranked Tour win of her career in over seven years — and her first ever on Japanese soil.

The final itself was a statement performance. Beating Yamaguchi — a four-time Japan Open champion — on her home court, in straight games, underlined both the tactical maturity and the physical consistency that Sindhu's critics had questioned during her lean run.

Vimal Kumar: 'Long Overdue, Richly Deserved'

Former national chief coach Vimal Kumar was among the first to react, posting on X: '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.'

Kumar also highlighted the tactical shift that made the difference: '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.' He extended congratulations to the entire coaching and support team, calling the win a collective reward for sustained effort.

BAI, Politicians, and Sporting Icons React

The Badminton Association of India (BAI) hailed Sindhu as the 'queen of Indian badminton', saying she had 'rewritten the history books once again' with what it described as a 'flawless campaign capped off by pure dominance in the final.'

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan shared his congratulations on X, calling the win 'a true display of grit, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of an Indian champion.' He noted that 'rising stronger, overcoming challenges, and reclaiming the top podium makes this victory even more special,' and expressed hope that it would be 'the beginning of many more historic victories.'

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 also posted on X, extending 'hearty congratulations' and saying Sindhu had 'made India proud again.'

What This Means Ahead of the World Championships

The timing of the title could not be more significant. The BWF World Championships are scheduled in New Delhi next month, and Sindhu's return to the world's Top 8 — confirmed by this result — is expected to secure her a seeding, a considerable tactical advantage in the draw. Notably, this is the first time in years that Sindhu enters a home World Championships on the back of a major title win, giving her camp genuine momentum rather than just hope.

With confidence restored and form peaking at the right moment, all eyes now turn to whether Sindhu can convert this Super 750 surge into a podium finish on home soil at the sport's biggest annual event.