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For the 31-year-old Sindhu, this was her most significant title since she won the World Championships back in 2019. In between, she had picked up smaller wins, the 2022 Singapore Open Super 500 and the 2024 Syed Modi International Super 300, but nothing on this scale.
Saina didn't hold back her admiration. She said the last two to three years had been genuinely tough for Sindhu as she battled her way back from injuries, and the way she pulled off Sunday's win, knocking out several top-ranked players along the way, spoke volumes. According to Saina, Sindhu's attacking play has visibly stepped up, and that is exactly what opens the door to more silverware.
She added that ageing alongside injuries brings its own set of challenges, and competing at the top level can take a real toll, mentally and physically. Still, Saina believes this win will do wonders for Sindhu's confidence. As she put it, a true champion always finds a way back, especially someone who has stayed at the top for as long as Sindhu has.
Consistency the Next Challenge for India's Youngsters
Turning her attention to the next generation, Saina said India's emerging players need to translate promise into results. She stressed that consistency is the real test in badminton, and that's part of why the sport enjoys such a strong following in the country. Her advice to the juniors was simple: keep an eye on the next big tournament and make sure to perform when it counts.
World Championships Homecoming Fills Saina With Optimism
With India set to host the Badminton World Championships from August 17 to 23, the tournament's first appearance on Indian soil in 17 years, Saina expressed confidence that the home side has what it takes to win medals in front of their own crowd. She pointed to Sindhu's current form and Lakshya Sen's strong run as reasons for optimism, while also noting that several younger players are expected to feature.
Her only wish, she said, is that the event runs smoothly from start to finish. That comment carried extra weight given the criticism the India Open Super 750 faced back in January, when complaints about pollution, poor hygiene, and even sightings of pigeons and monkeys inside the venue overshadowed the action.
Looking ahead to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, starting July 23, Saina wished the Indian contingent luck but voiced disappointment that badminton, along with other popular sports like hockey and shooting, won't feature at this edition. Having won singles gold at the Games in 2010 and 2018, she admitted it was hard not to feel for the athletes missing out on the opportunity, even as she wished the participating contingent well. She acknowledged that India's medal tally might take a hit given fewer sports are on offer this time, but hoped for gold medals nonetheless.
On the subject of coaching, Saina said she isn't ready to commit just yet. She pointed out that even chief national coach Pullela Gopichand is finding it challenging to connect with the newer generation of players, and stressed that coaching demands a completely different mindset from playing. While competing lets you focus purely on yourself, she explained, guiding others means carrying their pressures too, and that's a responsibility she wants to think through carefully. For now, she's staying involved through motivational sessions with young athletes.
As for a playing comeback, Saina ruled it out firmly, saying that once arthritis sets in, returning to competitive badminton becomes extremely difficult, even with next year's improved scoring system.
