New Delhi [India], July 19 (ANI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday congratulated two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu after she scripted historical past by turning into the primary Indian shuttler to win the Japan Open girls’s singles title, praising her ability, resilience and landmark achievement.
Sharing an image of Sindhu on X following her title-winning efficiency in Tokyo, Rajnath lauded the Indian star for her memorable triumph.
‘Exceptional efficiency by @Pvsindhu1! Congratulations to her for successful the #JapanOpen2026 girls’s singles title. Her efficiency is particular as a result of she has proven great abilities and resilience. She can be the primary Indian shuttler to win this championship. The nation is happy with her achievement,’ Rajnath wrote.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar additionally congratulated the Indian ace on social media.
‘Congratulations @Pvsindhu1 on turning into the primary from to win the 2026 Japan Open girls’s singles title. We are happy with you!’ Jaishankar posted on X.
Sindhu produced a classic efficiency to defeat residence favorite and world No. 3 Akane Yamaguchi 21-17, 21-17 within the girls’s singles remaining of the BWF Super 750 match in Tokyo.
The victory marked Sindhu’s maiden Japan Open crown, her first Super 750 title and ended a title drought of greater than two years. It additionally stood as her largest title since successful the BWF World Championships in 2019.
Playing in entrance of a partisan Japanese crowd towards three-time world champion Yamaguchi, Sindhu managed the competition with a mix of highly effective smashes, sharp web play and tactical self-discipline.
After taking an early lead within the opening recreation, the Indian weathered a comeback from Yamaguchi earlier than regaining management by way of exact web exchanges and aggressive winners to seal the primary recreation 21-17.
She carried that momentum into the second recreation, dominating the forecourt and repeatedly forcing Yamaguchi into defensive positions. A demanding 44-shot rally highlighted Sindhu’s health and willpower as she constructed a wholesome lead earlier than withstanding a late problem from the Japanese star.
Yamaguchi lower the deficit to 19-17 within the closing phases, however Sindhu stayed composed, incomes three championship factors earlier than sealing victory when her opponent’s return landed lengthy, with the choice confirmed after a profitable video evaluation.
The triumph was significantly important as Sindhu had not defeated Yamaguchi in a accomplished match for 4 years. Against an opponent taking part in her sixth Japan Open remaining, the Indian delivered one among her most interesting performances in current seasons, sending a robust message forward of the foremost worldwide occasions later this 12 months. (ANI)