EXCLUSIVE: PV Sindhu's Japan Open Revival Rekindles India's BWF World Championship Dreams- Pullela Gopichand

PV Sindhu is standing on the cusp of history. The two-time Olympic medalist became the first Indian to reach the Japan Open 2026 Finals and has a golden opportunity to clinch the gold medal by defeating Japan's Akane Yamaguchi. It has been a roller coaster ride for the 31-year-old after battling a foot injury, which has been recurring over the last 3-4 years. She had to go again for rehab for that foot injury in 2025. However, battling all those obstacles, Sindhu has now reached a stage where she could rewrite history books.

Former Indian men's singles player, Pullela Gopichand, who has been Sindhu's mentor from her formative years, believes that it was always coming and that her 'resurgence' is not a surprise. Speaking to myKhel on the sidelines of the BWF World Championship mascot ceremony, Gopichand said that with the reigning World No 1 An-Se Young out of contention, Sindhu has a clear field.

"I was not surprised by the way Sindhu reached the final," Gopichand said while reflecting on her Japan Open campaign. He pointed out that Sindhu's victories were built on favourable tactical matchups as much as quality execution, noting that players like Han Yue struggle to match her pace and attacking style.

Why Sindhu Is A Genuine World Championship Contender?

Gopichand also added that Sindhu has a genuine chance to win the BWF World Championship 2026, which is due to start in a months time. According to Gopichand, the biggest difference this season has been Sindhu's fitness. After spending the previous two to three years battling recurring injuries, the Indian star has finally enjoyed an uninterrupted run on the circuit.

That physical stability has allowed her to rediscover the aggressive, attacking badminton that once made her one of the world's most feared players. Gopichand believes that makes her a genuine contender in Paris.

Apart from An Se-young, he sees no unbeatable force in women's singles. "Everybody else is beatable," he observed, adding that many top players still struggle to read Sindhu's unique style of play. That unpredictability, combined with her experience on the biggest stages, makes her a dangerous opponent for any draw.

Satwik-Chirag Remain India's Strongest Bet

India's hopes are not limited to women's singles. Gopichand remains confident that Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty will once again be among the favourites in men's doubles, provided Satwik fully recovers from the shoulder issue that hampered him in recent tournaments.

The former All England champion revealed that Satwik has already resumed training, with nearly a month left before the World Championships. "If he's back to his best shape, they are definitely contenders," Gopichand said.

The Indian pair has consistently challenged the world's elite over the past two seasons, and Gopichand believes they possess the quality to compete for another major title if both players are fully fit.

Lakshya, Ayush & The Chaos Of Men's Singles

Gopichand also praised Lakshya Sen and Ayush Shetty following their encouraging performances in Japan but cautioned against reading too much into current rankings or recent results. He described men's singles as the most unpredictable discipline in world badminton, where form can fluctuate dramatically from tournament to tournament.

"There are so many players who can do well," he explained, pointing out that early exits often precede title-winning runs in such a fiercely competitive field. While optimistic about both Indians, Gopichand stressed that consistency will be the biggest challenge in a draw packed with genuine contenders.

Why Top Players Are Retiring Mid-Tournament?

In the concluding remarks, he also briefly mentioned the apparent tendency of the players to retire from tournaments, such as the BWF Super 750, rather than playing the entire match. He explained that participation in these tournaments is mandatory for leading players, with financial penalties for skipping events. As a result, injured players often travel and begin matches before deciding not to aggravate existing niggles.

According to Gopichand, many players prefer to preserve themselves for bigger targets such as the World Championships rather than risk turning minor injuries into long-term setbacks.

With Sindhu regaining momentum, Satwik and Chirag expected to return at full strength, and Lakshya Sen and Ayush Shetty showing encouraging signs, India heads into the BWF World Championships with renewed optimism. The Japan Open may not have delivered a title, but it has provided something equally valuable, the belief that several Indian shuttlers can mount serious challenges on badminton's biggest stage.