PV Sindhu becomes first Indian to win Japan Open

• Two-time Olympic medallist P.V. Sindhu won her maiden BWF Super 750 title at the Japan Open 2026 badminton tournament on July 19.

• The 31-year-old became the first Indian to claim the title with a 21-17 21-17 victory over three-time world champion Akane Yamaguchi.

• The title is Sindhu’s first major triumph since winning the Singapore Open in 2022. 

• Sindhu’s previous title came at the Syed Modi International in 2024. 

• It is also the former world champion’s first tour-level title since lifting the Syed Modi International crown in December 2024.

• The victory provides a timely boost for Sindhu ahead of the World Championships in New Delhi in August.

• In the men’s singles, world no.5 Christo Popov secured a dominant 21-11, 21-19 win over Watanabe Koki.

• The victory in Tokyo marked the Frenchman’s second BWF World Tour win of the year, following his success at the German Open 2026 in March.

(The author is a trainer for Civil Services aspirants.)