New Delhi, India, July 20, 2026: Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu made history when she became the first Indian to win the Japan Open.
India’s badminton icon defeated world champion Akane Yamaguchi 21-17, 21-17 to clinch the Japan Open title on Sunday, July 19. This is the first time an Indian has won the Japan Open – the only other previous finalist was Prakash Padukone in 1983.
Sindhu’s triumph was greeted with universal joy across India, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi who hailed the historic achievement and praised SIndhu’s determination and outstanding performance.
“A historic feat for Indian badminton. Congratulations to PV Sindhu for emerging victorious at Japan Open 2026. Her determination and excellence were on full display throughout the tournament. The fact that she is the first Indian to win this title makes this achievement even more special. It will inspire countless young athletes across the country to play and shine,” PM Modi wrote in an X post.
The victory marked Sindhu’s first Super 750 title and ended a title drought of more than two years.