Defending Champions Treesa-Gayatri Retain Syed Modi International Title With a Fighting Comeback

Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand reaffirmed their status as India’s most consistent women’s doubles pair on the BWF World Tour, successfully defending their Syed Modi International World Tour Super 300 title with a gritty 17–21, 21–13, 21–15 victory over Japan’s Kaho Osawa and Mai Tanabe in Lucknow.

For the second straight year, the Indian duo stood atop the podium and this time, the title came after a season in which they were still searching for a breakthrough moment. Sunday’s win not only delivered their first title of the year, but also restored the confidence and fluency that have defined their rise over the last two seasons.

Treesa and Gayatri started cautiously against the aggressive Japanese pairing. Osawa and Tanabe came in with a clear plan: target Gayatri at the net, push Treesa deep at the back, and break the rhythm early. It worked in the opening game as the Indians struggled to find their customary flow and lost 17–21.

But if there is one thing this pair has built its reputation on, it is the ability to reset and fight back.

The turnaround began with improved communication and sharper court coverage. Treesa took control of the midcourt exchanges, using her steep angles and quicker transitions, while Gayatri stabilised the front court with soft touches and precise interceptions.

Their lift quality improved, the defensive blocks grew tighter, and suddenly the Japanese pair found themselves under sustained pressure. The Indians raced ahead early and maintained control to take the second game 21–13, signalling a clear shift in momentum.

Decider Dominated With Confidence

By the time the third game began, Treesa and Gayatri looked fully settled. Their attacking intent grew stronger, with Treesa unloading her trademark smashes and Gayatri dictating the tempo from the front. Osawa and Tanabe tried to counter with flatter rallies, but the Indian pair’s improved anticipation won them most of the key exchanges. From 10–8 up, Treesa and Gayatri accelerated with a series of well-constructed points, never allowing the Japanese duo a way back. They closed out the match 21–15, sealing a memorable comeback victory and triggering celebrations in the Indian camp.

A Champion’s Run Through the Week

Their title defence was built on a near-perfect tournament run:

• Round of 32: Defeated Cheng Su Hui / Tan Zhing Yi (21–19, 20–22, 21–9)
• Round of 16: Beat Zenith Abigail / Likhita Srivastava (21–17, 21–12)
• Quarter-final: Overpowered N. Inci / B. Ercetin (21–15, 21–16)
• Semi-final: Defeated Malaysia’s Ong Xin Yan / C. Ting (21–11, 21–15)
• Final: Beat Osawa / Tanabe (17–21, 21–13, 21–15)

It was a campaign that strengthened their reputation as one of the most reliable Indian pairs on the BWF circuit.

This victory carries significance beyond just another title:

1. First Title of the Season: After a year marked by close losses and early exits, the win provides a timely boost heading into a busy 2026 calendar.
2. Back-to-Back Syed Modi Titles: Treesa and Gayatri become one of the few Indian women’s doubles pairs to defend a World Tour crown on home soil.
3. Confidence Ahead of Higher Tournaments: With Super 500 and Super 750 events coming up, this title adds the momentum they needed.
4. Strong Statement of Growth: Their improved composure in pressure situations stood out throughout the week.

With this performance, Treesa and Gayatri have reminded the badminton world of their potential. They have matured tactically, improved their defensive patience, and shown far greater control in long rallies signs of a pair evolving at the right time. As India continues to build depth in women’s doubles, their consistent presence in big tournaments remains invaluable. The Syed Modi International title defence adds another chapter to their steady rise one built on resilience, trust, and an unwavering ability to bounce back.

Congratulations to Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand champions once again, and still India’s brightest hopes in women’s doubles badminton.