PV Sindhu scripts history becoming first Indian to win Japan Open; Clinches Women’s Singles title defeating Japanese shuttler

By  News On Air   Jul 19, 2026

Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu clinched her maiden Japan Open today. She became the first Indian shuttler to win the prestigious tournament title. She defeated local favourite and three-time world champion Akane Yamaguchi in straight games, 21-17, 21-17. The 31-year-old won the Super 750 tournament, ending a title drought of more than two years.

The victory capped a remarkable week for the Indian, who became the first Indian woman to reach the Japan Open final after defeating Chen Yufei in the semifinals and then completed the job in style to lift one of the biggest titles of her career.

Sindhu’s previous title came at the Syed Modi International in 2024. The triumph is her biggest title since winning the World Championships in 2019.

Sports Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya has congratulated PV Sindhu on becoming the first Indian to win the Japan Open. In a social media post, Dr Mandaviya said the entire nation is proud of her. He said it’s a historic triumph in Japan.