20 July,2026 07:55 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Saina Nehwal, PV Sindhu (Pic: File Pic)
In the Japan Open women's singles final, India's PV Sindhu secured a dominant victory over home favourite and World No. 3 Akane Yamaguchi by 21-17, 21-17.
This helped her bring an end to a title drought which lasted over two years.
Following her triumph, India's badminton great Saina Nehwal was impressed and said that Sindhu's attack has improved a lot.
"The last 2-3 years were actually very tough. She was trying to come out of the injuries but the way she has come out of it, the Super Series win that she won yesterday after defeating three or four top players here. And quite comfortably, she has attacked very hard. Her attack has improved a lot," she said.
Considering Sindhu's experience at the top level, Nehwal stated that a champion can't be written off.
"So, that shows that, obviously, there are opportunities to win. But as you age, with injuries, you have to tackle it well. So, it is stressful when you play at that level. So, I am sure she is going through a little bit of stress and pressure. But I think after winning this, she has got her confidence back. And you can never write a champion off. She is always going to come back and do well. She has played at that level for so many years," said Nehwal.
This was also the first-time that an Indian badminton player has clinched the Japan Open title.
India is set to host the Badminton World Championships from August 17 to 23. This will mark the return of the tournament to the country after 17 years.
Speaking about the mega event, the Haryana-born badminton star expressed happiness and is optimistic about of Indian players winning the titles in respective categories.
"I am very happy after so many years India is hosting the World Championships. As we see Sindhu is in great form. She won the Japan Open yesterday, played extremely well. And Lakshya is playing extremely well. We have great players who are, I think, capable of winning it in India in front of our home crowd. And at the same time, quite a few youngsters also will be there in participation," she said.
She is also hopeful that the Indian management will ensure that the Badminton World Championships is conducted "smoothly and perfectly".
"I just hope that it will be one of the finest championships in the world. And I don't have any complaints about how it was in the India Open. I just want it to go smoothly and perfectly," said Nehwal.
(With PTI Inputs)
