Indian badminton witnessed a triumphant day as home favourites claimed three titles at the Syed Modi India International Super 300 tournament on Sunday, finally breaking a dry spell that had persisted throughout 2024.
PV Sindhu led the charge, clinching her third title at the event with a dominant 21-14, 21-16 win over China’s Luo Yu Wu. The victory elevated Sindhu alongside Saina Nehwal as a three-time winner at the prestigious tournament held at the Babu Banarasi Das Academy courts in Lucknow.
Lakshya Sen followed with an emphatic performance, securing his maiden title at the tournament by dismantling Singapore’s Jia Heng Jason Teh 21-6, 21-7 in a match that lasted just 31 minutes.
The highlight, however, was the historic victory of Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand. The duo became the first Indian women’s pair to win the doubles title in the tournament’s history, defeating China’s Li Jing Bao and Li Qian 21-18, 21-11.
Treesa and Gayatri’s victory was a momentous occasion for Indian badminton. The pair navigated a tense opening game, where the lead alternated frequently before they prevailed 21-18.
In the second game, their flawless attacking and defensive play overwhelmed their Chinese opponents, securing the title in style. The duo, both 21 years old, will now represent India as the sole entrants in the year-end World Finals.
Sindhu also delivered a very impressive performance. Her first game against Luo Yu Wu was a one-sided affair, with Sindhu dictating the pace with her precise drops and reach. Wu’s attempts to rally in the second game faltered under Sindhu’s relentless pressure, her smashes and long rallies proving decisive.
Lakshya Sen displayed unmatched form, breezing past his opponent in a lopsided final. The first game against Jason Teh ended in just 12 minutes, with the second lasting only slightly longer. Sen’s commanding performance showed his potential as a rising star in Indian badminton.
Before Sunday, Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy had been the only Indian shuttlers to clinch a title in 2024. The three victories at the Syed Modi International bring a much-needed boost to the sport ahead of the new year, signaling brighter days ahead for Indian badminton.
