Jakarta, June 3, 2025 — India’s badminton queen PV Sindhu began her Indonesia Open Super 1000 campaign with a thrilling win, while Lakshya Sen and HS Prannoy suffered early exits in their respective first-round encounters.
PV Sindhu Edges Past Okuhara in a Classic
Sindhu fought tooth and nail against her long-time rival Nozomi Okuhara of Japan in a grueling one-hour 19-minute contest. The final score read 22-20, 21-23, 21-15 in Sindhu’s favor, marking her 11th career win over Okuhara in 20 meetings.
Despite errors from both sides, the match delivered high drama. Sindhu took the opening game 22-20, and despite surrendering a lead to lose the second, she rebounded with a commanding third game to book a spot in the round of 16.
“14 years. 20 matches. From my longest to the shortest World Championship finals — always with her… The court’s never quite the same without you,” Sindhu tweeted after the match.
The Indian star will next face sixth seed Pornpawee Chochuwong of Thailand in what promises to be another high-octane clash.
Lakshya Sen Shows Heart in Loss to World No.1 Shi Yu Qi
Returning from a recent back injury, Lakshya Sen displayed immense courage against China’s Shi Yu Qi, the current world number one. Despite losing 11-21, 22-20, 15-21, Sen pushed the top seed hard in a 65-minute battle.
He saved a match point and turned the second game in his favor, but fatigue crept in during the decider, allowing Shi to pull away.
HS Prannoy Falls to Local Favorite Alwi Farhan
HS Prannoy, a 2023 World Championships bronze medallist, was unable to capitalize on his experience, going down 17-21, 18-21 to Indonesia’s young star Alwi Farhan. The match was closely contested, but Farhan’s aggressive net play proved decisive.
Mixed Fortunes for Indian Women’s Squad
While Sindhu brought cheer, the rest of India’s women’s singles campaign saw early exits and heartbreak:
- Malvika Bansod retired due to a suspected knee injury while leading 21-16, 16-15 against Putri Kusuma Wardani.
- Anupama Upadhyaya lost 15-21, 9-21 to Korea’s Kim Ga Eun.
- Rakshitha Ramraj was defeated by Supanida Katethong 21-14, 15-21, 12-21.
What’s Next for Team India?
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on PV Sindhu as she continues her quest for a first title of the season. Her potential quarterfinal clash with top-seeded players could be a highlight of the tournament.
The India men’s contingent will now shift focus to the doubles and mixed categories, hoping to salvage some pride at the $1.45 million event.
