Bhubaneswar: Fresh off scripting history with her maiden Japan Open women’s singles title, Olympic medallist PV Sindhu has said it felt “truly poetic” that her landmark triumph coincided with Lord Jagannath’s sacred Rath Yatra, while expressing her wish to return to Puri to witness the annual festival and seek the blessings of Mahaprabhu Jagannath.
Sindhu shared the emotional message while replying to Leader of the Opposition Naveen Patnaik’s congratulatory post on social media platform X. Thanking the former Odisha Chief Minister for his warm wishes, the badminton star also praised his leadership and governance of the state.
“My father-in-law, who served as a senior bureaucrat, has always spoken so highly of you, your leadership and your governance of Odisha,” Sindhu wrote in her response.
The shuttler said winning one of the biggest titles of her career during the globally celebrated Rath Yatra made the moment even more special.
“It feels truly poetic that this victory has come during Mahaprabhu Jagannath’s sacred Rath Yatra. I hope to return to Puri soon, experience the divine celebrations and seek Mahaprabhu’s blessings at the Jagannath Temple,” she said, adding that Patnaik’s wishes meant a great deal to her.
Patnaik had earlier congratulated Sindhu on becoming the first Indian to win the Japan Open women’s singles crown after she defeated Japan’s three-time world champion and home favourite Akane Yamaguchi in straight sets in the final.
Calling it a historic achievement, Patnaik said Sindhu’s commanding display had brought pride to the nation and wished her continued success on the international circuit.
“Congratulate @Pvsindhu1 on her historic win over Japan’s #AkaneYamaguchi to lift the Japan Open 2026 women’s singles badminton title, the first Indian to clinch the title. Her flawless performance in the final helped her defeat the home favourite and three-time world champion in straight sets. May she continue her brilliant performance and bring more glory for the country. Best wishes,” Patnaik wrote on X.
Sindhu’s remarks, linking her career-defining victory with Odisha’s biggest religious festival, have drawn widespread appreciation from devotees and badminton fans alike, adding a spiritual touch to an already historic sporting achievement.
