PM Modi’s Support Inspires Every Indian Athlete, Says PV Sindhu After Historic Japan Open Triumph

New Delhi, July 2026 : Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu expressed heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi after he congratulated her on becoming the first Indian shuttler to win the prestigious Japan Open, saying his encouragement and unwavering support have been a constant source of inspiration for Indian athletes.

Sindhu created history on Sunday by defeating Japan’s four-time champion and home favourite 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 marked her first BWF World Tour title in two years and ended a seven-year wait for a Super 750 or higher-level title.

Following the landmark achievement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed Sindhu’s triumph as a “historic feat for Indian badminton,” praising her determination, resilience and fighting spirit. He also said that her remarkable achievement would inspire countless young sportspersons across the country to pursue excellence.

Responding to the Prime Minister’s congratulatory message on social media platform X, Sindhu shared an emotional note, recalling some of her memorable interactions with him over the years.

“Thank you so much, Hon’ble Prime Minister Sir. Your wishes mean the world to me,” Sindhu wrote.

The badminton star fondly remembered meeting the Prime Minister after the Tokyo Olympics, saying those moments remain among the most cherished memories of her career.

“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,” she said.

Sindhu also praised Prime Minister Modi’s exceptional work ethic, saying every meeting with him had left a lasting impression on her.

“Every time I have met you, Sir, I have witnessed your incredible work ethic firsthand—always returning from one meeting and heading straight into another, often working late into the night. You truly embody what hard work, dedication and service to the nation mean,” she wrote.

Thanking the Prime Minister for his continued encouragement of Indian sport, Sindhu said his support motivates athletes to strive for greater success on the global stage.

“Thank you for your unwavering support for Indian sport. Wishing you many, many years of good health and strength, Sir,” she added.

Sindhu’s title-winning campaign in Tokyo showcased her return to top form. She registered impressive victories over Olympic champion Chen Yu Fei and world No. 5 Han Yue before overcoming Akane Yamaguchi in straight games in the final.

With the victory, the former world champion became the first Indian to lift the coveted Japan Open title, adding another milestone to her illustrious career. The triumph is expected to provide a major confidence boost ahead of the upcoming World Championships and other key international tournaments as Sindhu looks to reclaim her place among the world’s elite badminton players.