Tokyo/New Delhi: Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu expressed heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi after he congratulated her on becoming the first Indian to win the prestigious Japan Open title, describing his wishes as deeply meaningful and recalling the memorable moments they had shared over the years.
Sindhu created history on Sunday by defeating Japan’s four-time champion Akane Yamaguchi 21-17, 21-17 in the women’s singles final of the BWF Japan Open Super 750 tournament at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium. The victory ended her two-year wait for a BWF World Tour title and marked her first Super 750-or-above crown in seven years.
Congratulating Sindhu on the landmark achievement, Prime Minister Modi described the victory as “a historic feat for Indian badminton” and said her determination and perseverance would inspire countless young athletes across the country.
Responding to the Prime Minister’s message on X, Sindhu thanked him for his continued encouragement and reflected on some of her most cherished memories.
“Thank you so much, Hon’ble Prime Minister Sir. Your wishes mean the world to me,” Sindhu wrote.
She fondly recalled meeting the Prime Minister after the Tokyo Olympics, saying, “I will never forget sharing that ice cream with you after Tokyo, that brief conversation in your office, and the many occasions before and after when I had the privilege of meeting you and being inspired by you. Those are memories I will always cherish.”
Sindhu also praised Prime Minister Modi’s dedication and work ethic, saying she had witnessed his commitment to the nation during every interaction.
“Every time I have met you, Sir, I have witnessed your incredible work ethic firsthand, always returning from one meeting, heading straight into another, often working late into the night. You truly embody what hard work, dedication, and service to the nation mean,” she said.
Concluding her message, the former world champion thanked the Prime Minister for his unwavering support towards Indian sport and wished him good health and strength in the years ahead.
Sindhu’s historic triumph in Tokyo capped an outstanding campaign in which she defeated Tokyo Olympic champion Chen Yu Fei and world No. 5 Han Yue before overcoming home favourite Akane Yamaguchi in straight games to become the first Indian shuttler to lift the coveted Japan Open title.
