Saina Nehwal Praises PV Sindhu for Japan Open Victory
Saina Nehwal has publicly praised PV Sindhu following her victory at the Japan Open, highlighting the win as a strong moment for Indian badminton.

Saina Nehwal Tips Hat to Sindhu After Japan Open Win
PV Sindhu's victory at the Japan Open has drawn warm words from one of India's most celebrated badminton players. Saina Nehwal praised Sindhu publicly after the result, underlining the significance of the win for Indian badminton on the international stage. The acknowledgment from Saina, herself a former world number one and Olympic medalist, carries weight in a sport where the two have long been the country's leading names.
Saina's comments reflect a broader sense of pride within the Indian badminton community. Winning a BWF Super series or tour-level event in Japan, a country with a deep pool of elite shuttlers, is never straightforward. That Sindhu came through to claim the title makes the result notable beyond a routine trophy.
What the Japan Open Win Means for Sindhu
PV Sindhu has had a career marked by major highs, including two Olympic medals and multiple World Championship podium finishes. A Japan Open title adds another line to a resume that already stands among the best in women's singles badminton globally.
The win signals that Sindhu remains competitive at the top level. Players who have been around the circuit as long as she has often face questions about consistency and motivation. A strong tournament result at an event of this stature answers some of those questions directly.
For Indian fans, seeing Saina publicly back Sindhu also matters. The two have occasionally been spoken about in rivalry terms by the media, so a straightforward public congratulation from Saina helps set a different tone. It points to mutual respect between two athletes who have both dedicated decades to the sport.
Indian Badminton's Continued Rise
India's standing in world badminton has grown steadily over the past fifteen years. Saina Nehwal was among the first Indian women to break into the global top tier, and Sindhu built on that foundation to reach even higher rankings and win bigger titles. Their combined impact helped grow the sport's popularity domestically and attracted better coaching infrastructure and sponsorship.
Sindhu's Japan Open victory keeps that momentum going. Younger Indian players coming through the ranks now have multiple role models to look toward, something that was far less true a generation ago.
Saina's praise, reported by The News Mill, is a small but telling moment. Senior players recognizing each other's achievements publicly helps build a culture within national squads that goes beyond individual results. It also keeps Indian badminton in the conversation during international events, giving the sport visibility at home between the major tournaments.
With Sindhu showing she can still win at this level, and with support from peers like Saina, Indian women's badminton has plenty of reasons to feel confident heading into upcoming BWF calendar events.
Badminton Correspondent
Priya Nair covers badminton for 21.fun, from BWF World Tour results to player form, rankings and tactics.










