In the world of badminton, the quest for glory never ends. For India’s top shuttlers PV Sindhu and Lakshya Sen, the upcoming BWF Japan Masters Super 500 tournament represents a golden opportunity to rebuild their momentum after a disappointing outing at the 2024 Paris Olympics. As they step onto the courts in Tokyo, all eyes will be on these two stars, eager to see if they can rise above the challenges and silence their critics.
Sindhu’s Search for Redemption
For PV Sindhu, the Japan Masters is more than just another tournament. It’s a chance to prove that she still has what it takes to compete at the highest level. The 29-year-old, who has been a consistent top 10 player for years, suffered a shock first-round exit at the Paris Olympics, leaving fans and experts questioning her form and future.
But Sindhu is not one to back down from a challenge. According to sources close to the star, she has been working tirelessly with her new coaching team of Anup Sridhar and Lee Syun Il to fine-tune her game and regain her winning touch. “I’m in good shape, physically and mentally fit,” Sindhu revealed in a recent interview. “We’ve been working on different aspects, like speed and defense. I hope to perform well in Japan and China with their guidance.”
A Favorable Draw
While Sindhu may not be seeded at the Japan Masters, she has been handed a relatively favorable draw. Her opening match is against eighth-seeded Thai player Busanan Ongbamrungphan, whom she has beaten 18 times in their 19 meetings. A potential second-round clash against Canada’s Michelle Li, who stunned Sindhu in Finland last month, could be tricky, but it also presents an opportunity for the Indian to set the record straight.
If Sindhu can navigate these early hurdles, she could set up a mouth-watering quarterfinal against Chinese top seed Wang Zhi Yi. With a 2-2 head-to-head record, this would be a true test of Sindhu’s resurgence and a chance to prove that she still belongs among the elite.
Lakshya’s Mental Battles
For young gun Lakshya Sen, the Japan Masters is an opportunity to conquer his inner demons. The 22-year-old, who had a breakthrough performance at the Paris Olympics by reaching the bronze medal match, has struggled to replicate that form in the subsequent European tournaments.
Lakshya’s game has never been in question – his speed, agility, and shot-making are world-class. But it’s his mental fragility that has come under scrutiny. In Finland, he squandered a one-game lead against Taiwan’s Chou Tien Chen, the same opponent he had beaten en route to the Olympic semi-finals.
The only way out is to get into challenging matches and come out with a win.
– Lakshya’s coach Vimal Kumar
The Japan Masters could be the perfect stage for Lakshya to exorcise his demons. He starts against Malaysia’s Leong Jun Hao, whom he has beaten thrice in their four meetings. A potential second-round clash against Indonesian eighth seed Anthony Ginting, against whom Lakshya has a 3-0 record, could be the confidence booster he desperately needs.
The Road Ahead
For both Sindhu and Lakshya, the Japan Masters is just the beginning of a crucial phase in their careers. With the Super 750 China Open and the home Syed Modi Super 300 tournament coming up, they have a chance to end the year on a high and set themselves up for a strong 2025 season.
But for now, all eyes will be on Tokyo, where these two Indian stars will look to rekindle their fire and prove that they are far from finished. In a sport where one tournament can change everything, Sindhu and Lakshya know that a strong showing at the Japan Masters could be the launchpad they need to soar once again.
As fans and pundits alike wait with bated breath, one thing is certain – the badminton world has not heard the last of PV Sindhu and Lakshya Sen. They may be down, but they are definitely not out. And if their past is any indication, they will come back stronger, hungrier, and more determined than ever to etch their names in the annals of badminton greatness.
