In a dramatic turn of events at the Japan Open 2025, two-time Olympic medallist and former world champion P.V. Sindhu suffered a disappointing first-round exit, while Lakshya Sen and the dynamic men’s doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty brought cheer to Indian badminton fans with dominant straight-game victories that carried them into the second round.
Sindhu, 30, who has long been a cornerstone of Indian badminton, looked out of sorts as she went down 15-21, 14-21 to South Korea’s Sim Yu Jin in just 41 minutes. This marks Sindhu’s fifth first-round defeat this year — a deeply concerning trend for one of India’s most decorated athletes.
Sim, who had never previously beaten Sindhu, was clinical and composed as she exploited the Indian star’s rustiness, inconsistent judgment, and mounting unforced errors. Though Sindhu showed some resistance late in the first game and briefly leveled the second at 11-all after falling behind 1-6, she was unable to maintain the pressure as Sim pulled away to seal the match in straight games.
For Sindhu, this defeat at a Super 750 event is another blow in what has become a turbulent season. She now faces serious questions regarding her form, confidence, and prospects for the upcoming World Championships and the Paris 2024 Olympic qualification pathway.
Lakshya Sen Regains Form with Clinical Victory
In contrast, Lakshya Sen, who himself has faced a rollercoaster of a season with multiple early exits, looked rejuvenated and laser-focused as he brushed aside China’s Wang Zheng Xing 21-11, 21-18 in under 45 minutes.
Ranked No. 18 in the world, Lakshya raced to an 11-2 lead in the opening game, showcasing the sharpness and agility that once made him a rising star on the world stage. While Wang offered more resistance in the second game, the Indian shuttler held his nerve to stay ahead and close out the match with authority.
This performance could mark a turning point for the 23-year-old, who will next face seventh seed and home favourite Kodai Naraoka in what promises to be a thrilling round-of-16 clash.
Satwik-Chirag Back to Their Best
India’s premier men’s doubles pair, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, also made a strong statement with a dominant 21-18, 21-10 win over the Korean duo of Kang Min Hyuk and Kim Dong Ju.
Currently ranked World No. 15, Satwik and Chirag took some time to find their rhythm, with the Koreans putting up a spirited fight in the early exchanges of the first game. However, once the Indian pair clicked into gear, their onslaught was relentless. The second game saw the Koreans completely outplayed, as Satwik-Chirag displayed explosive smashes, tight net play, and flawless coordination.
The 42-minute win serves as a much-needed boost for the former world No. 1 duo, who are aiming to climb back up the rankings ahead of a critical phase of the season.
India’s Mixed Fortunes in Tokyo
With Sindhu’s shock exit and Lakshya-Satwik/Chirag’s convincing wins, the India camp will be hoping to build momentum through the remaining rounds. The Japan Open Super 750 is a key event in the BWF World Tour, offering vital ranking points and a chance to sharpen form ahead of the bigger championships looming on the calendar.
The challenge now lies in maintaining consistency. For Sindhu, the spotlight will only grow harsher as questions about her future continue to mount. For Lakshya and the men’s doubles team, Tokyo could be the stage for resurgence.
