Bhubaneswar: After her historic Japan Open women’s singles title triumph, India’s star shuttler P V Sindhu has said it felt “truly poetic” that her victory coincided with Lord Jagannath’s Rath Yatra.
While thanking Odisha’s Leader of Opposition (LoP) Naveen Patnaik for his congratulatory message, she expressed 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 Naveen Patnaik’s congratulatory post on X. Thanking the former 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 star 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,” Sindhu said, adding that Naveen’s wishes meant a great deal to her.
Naveen 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, he 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,” the BJD president said on X.