You Can Never Write a Champion Off: Saina Nehwal on PV Sindhu
Sindhu said Virat Kohli’s advice and a 13-member support team helped her end a two-year title drought with her first Japan Open crown.
- On Sunday, July 19, 2026, PV Sindhu became the first Indian to claim the Japan Open title, defeating three-time world champion Akane Yamaguchi in straight games to secure her first S750 crown.
- Struggling for form, Sindhu sought guidance from former Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli, who advised focusing on the joy of the game rather than results, prompting her husband Venkata Datta Sai to take her to Atlanta for a mental reset.
- Sindhu's 13-member support team utilized data science and Coach Irwansyah's tactical adjustments to fix performance gaps, while she trained at Exos Sports Performance and shed 3.5 kg to regain her competitive edge.
- The victory ended a two-year title drought, moving her 13-person support team to tears; celebrating the historic triumph, Sindhu enjoyed a post-match treat of 230 gm of chicken and ice cream.
- With the China Open Super 1000 approaching, Sindhu aims to maintain momentum while Datta remains confident in their systems, stating, "We will go for gold," as they refine strategy one data point at a time.
15 Articles
15 Articles
'When I needed someone, he was there': PV Sindhu recalls Virat Kohli's role in comeback
PV Sindhu received crucial guidance from Virat Kohli during a difficult career period. This conversation helped her overcome a serious injury and focus on rehabilitation. Her husband facilitated her recovery away from public scrutiny in Atlanta. Sindhu then achieved a historic Japan Open women's singles title win. This victory marked a remarkable comeback after her extensive recovery process.
How Virat Kohli's Conversation Sparked PV Sindhu's Japan Open 2026 Title Win | 🏆 LatestLY
Indian badminton star PV Sindhu clinched her maiden BWF Japan Open 2026 Super 750 title on July 19, 2026, ending a nearly two-year drought. The 31-year-old, ranked 10th, defeated home favourite Akane Yamaguchi (21-17, 21-17) in Tokyo. Sindhu credited a remark from cricket icon Virat Kohli for her resurgence. 🏆 How Virat Kohli's Conversation Sparked PV Sindhu's Japan Open 2026 Title Win.
You can never write a champion off: Saina Nehwal on PV Sindhu
Indian badminton great Saina Nehwal is impressed with PV Sindhu’s improved attack and said the Japan Open triumph showed the two-time Olympic medallist still has it in her to win more titles as champions can never be written off.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 71% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
