Former world No. 1 Saina Nehwal believes PV Sindhu has proved why she should never be ignored, saying the two-time Olympic medalist has rediscovered her best form at the right time ahead of the Badminton World Championships.

Speaking at a campaign event a day later Sindhu’s historic Japan Open Super 750 winSaina said the title is proof that the former world champion remains strong despite a 19-month title drought and several injury setbacks.

“The last 2-3 years were really very tough. She was trying to come out of injuries but the way she has come out of it… the Super Series win that she won here yesterday by beating three or four top players. And quite comfortably, she has attacked very hard. Her attack has improved a lot,” Saina was quoted as saying by PTI.

“So, it shows that, obviously, there are opportunities to win. But as you get older, you have to deal with injuries a lot. So, it’s stressful when you play at that level. So, I’m sure she’s going through a little bit of stress and pressure.

“But I think after winning it she has got her confidence back. And you can never write off a champion. She will always come back and do well. She has played at that level for so many years.”

The two-time World Championships medalist backed Sindhu to carry the momentum into the World Championships, which India will host from August 17 to 23.

Saina identified Sindhu and men’s singles player Lakshya Sen as India’s key medal hopes, saying, “We have great players who, I think, are capable of winning it in India in front of our home crowd.”

For Sindhu, the win in Tokyo was as much an emotional release as it was a tactical masterclass. The title ended an arduous 19-month wait, during which recurring stress fractures contributed to her slipping to world No. 18.

Having struggled for consistency since winning gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, Sindhu arrived at the Japan Open with a new purpose. Under coach Irwansyah Adi Pratama, he no longer relies solely on his trademark sharp smashes. That development was evident in Sunday’s hard-fought victory over Akane Yamaguchi.

Sindhu controlled the forecourt with sharp, deceptive transitions that repeatedly troubled Yamaguchi, whose defense is considered one of the strongest on the circuit.

World Championship Contenders?

His resurgence has come at an ideal time for Indian badminton, with the World Championships returning to India for the first time in 17 years.

However, Saina also challenged the next generation of Indian shuttlers, and stressed that success alone will not sustain the popularity of the sport in the country.

“I think a lot of youngsters who are playing well have to come and win because consistency is very important in badminton,” Saina said. “So I think we’re the second favorite. There’s a lot of continuity. So the juniors have to wait for the next championship.”

With Sindhu winning the title again and fresh confidence heading into the home World Championships, India will be hoping that its resurgence translates into a sixth World Championships medal.

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