India’s campaign at the Japan Open Super 750 began with mixed fortunes as rising shuttler Anupama Upadhyaya kept the nation’s hopes alive, while senior star PV Sindhu and teenager Unnati Hooda bowed out in the opening round.
The day highlighted the shifting dynamics in Indian women’s badminton a blend of young promise and the challenges facing established names.
An All-Indian Battle Sets the Stage
In one of the most closely watched first-round encounters, Anupama Upadhyaya, 20, faced off against her younger compatriot, Rakshita Sree Santosh Ramraj, 18. Both players, known for their attacking instincts and resilience on court, produced an absorbing contest that showcased the depth of emerging Indian talent.
Anupama took control early, winning the first game 21-15 through precise net play and patient rallies. Rakshita, however, fought back bravely in the second game, adjusting her defensive strategy and counterattacks to edge ahead 21-18, forcing a decider. The third game remained tight, but it was Anupama’s experience and composure at crucial points that saw her through, clinching the match 21-15, 18-21, 21-18.
This victory means Anupama moves into the second round of the Super 750 event one of the most competitive on the BWF World Tour. Her next challenge, however, will be formidable: a likely clash against World No. 2 Wang Zhiyi of China, which will test her ability to match the consistency and pace of the elite level.
For Anupama, who plays left-handed and is known for her aggressive smashes and steady defense, the win was significant not just for advancing in the tournament but also for reaffirming her growing status among India’s next generation of shuttlers.
PV Sindhu’s Struggles Continue
While Anupama celebrated, it was a different story for PV Sindhu, who suffered yet another early exit this season. Facing South Korea’s Sim Yu Jin, Sindhu went down in straight games 15-21, 14-21. The defeat marks her fourth opening-round loss this year, underlining a worrying trend for the two-time Olympic medallist.
Despite flashes of her trademark power and reach, Sindhu struggled with consistency and could not find answers to Sim’s sharp placements and relentless retrieving. Particularly in the second game, Sindhu’s unforced errors allowed the Korean to maintain a steady lead and close out the match without facing significant resistance.
For Sindhu, the Japan Open was an opportunity to regain momentum after a string of disappointing results. Instead, the defeat adds to growing concerns over her form ahead of a packed calendar that includes other BWF World Tour events and the season-ending finals.
As one of India’s most successful badminton players, Sindhu has often shouldered expectations in big tournaments. However, recent performances suggest she might need tactical adjustments or a fresh approach to recapture her best form against the world’s top players.
Young Unnati Hooda Shows Promise Despite Defeat
Another Indian who faced a daunting task in the first round was Unnati Hooda, just 17 years old, drawn against Thailand’s Pornpawee Chochuwong, seeded seventh and ranked among the world’s elite. Despite her best efforts, Unnati was outplayed 8-21, 12-21.
The Thai shuttler’s experience and court coverage were too much for the Indian teenager, who struggled to find rhythm early in the first game. In the second, Unnati improved her shot selection and briefly threatened to close the gap, but Pornpawee’s precision and calm under pressure kept the result beyond doubt.
While the loss may seem one-sided on paper, Unnati’s participation itself signals the start of an important learning curve at the highest level. Competing in Super 750 events offers her exposure to the pace, tactical discipline, and mental toughness needed on the global stage.
At just 17, Unnati has already shown potential with her performances in lower-tier tournaments and the national circuit. The experience of playing against a top-10 opponent will likely serve as valuable preparation for future international challenges.
India’s opening day at the Japan Open Super 750 reflects a broader story in Indian badminton today: the promise of a new generation set against the backdrop of senior players navigating form and consistency issues.
Anupama Upadhyaya’s win against Rakshita Sree Santosh Ramraj was a highlight, showing that India’s talent pipeline remains strong. Her upcoming second-round match against Wang Zhiyi, though difficult, will be closely watched to gauge how far she has progressed technically and mentally.
For PV Sindhu, the focus now must shift toward finding answers to her recent struggles—whether through tactical changes, coaching inputs, or mental conditioning. With major tournaments still ahead, Sindhu’s experience remains invaluable, but turning that into results is becoming increasingly urgent.
Unnati Hooda, despite the loss, gains from the exposure and will return to training with clearer insights into the demands of the highest level.
As the Japan Open continues, Indian fans will look to Anupama to keep the tricolour flying, while hoping the country’s established names regain their spark soon. The mix of emerging promise and senior challenges makes Indian women’s badminton both a story of hope and a call for introspection.
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