PV Sindhu Makes History as First Indian and Oldest Woman to Win BWF Super 750 Title
On July 19, 2026, PV Sindhu made history by becoming the first Indian—and, at 31, the oldest woman—to win a BWF Super 750 title. She achieved this landmark victory by defeating world No. 3 Akane Yamaguchi 21-17, 21-17 at the Japan Open in what was their 30th competitive match. This win marks Sindhu’s first title since the Syed Modi International in 2024 and her first BWF Major victory since clinching gold at the 2019 World Championship.
Sindhu’s achievement is particularly impressive given the current strength of women’s singles badminton and the challenges she has faced in recent years. After enduring a series of lackluster results and setbacks related to injuries, her win at the Japan Open reflects her resilience. She navigated through a field that was impacted by injuries, claiming victory despite receiving two walkovers in earlier rounds.
Expressing her emotional relief after the win, Sindhu stated, “I had tears in my eyes because it was very, very important for me to win. I was really working hard on myself and kept believing that I could do it.” She credited her family, coaches, and support staff for their unwavering belief in her abilities during challenging times.
In a turnaround from previous disappointments, Sindhu displayed a robust performance against Yamaguchi. After initially trailing, she secured the first game after leveling the score at 17-17. Sindhu maintained her lead in the second game, showcasing an attacking style that proved successful. Although she faced unforced errors, her determination kept her competitive throughout the match.
Since the beginning of 2026, Sindhu has shown incremental improvement in her game, climbing back into the world’s Top 10 rankings from 18th to 9th. This resurgence comes after a significant drop in form following a foot surgery four years ago, which had affected her performance. Her footwork, shot depth, and line judgment have all sharpened this season.
Sindhu’s season has seen her playing at a level that befits a top-10 player, despite earlier struggles against elite competitors. Her losses this year include matches against several top-ranked players, including World No. 1 An Se Young and World No. 2 Wang Zhi Yi. However, her performance in the Japan Open stands as a testament to her dedication and skill.
The win arrives at a crucial time as Sindhu prepares for the upcoming BWF World Championship in New Delhi, where she will aim for a record sixth medal. Given her historical significance in the tournament—she won her first medal at the age of 17—this latest victory is expected to bolster her confidence as she competes in front of a home crowd.
Special Credits: Image Courtesy of Espn
