Saina Nehwal backs PV Sindhu after Japan Open win: 'Never write a champion off'

PV Sindhu emerged victorious at the Japan Open, a result that drew public praise from fellow Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal. Commenting on Sindhu’s success, Saina said, "Never write a champion off."

The remark from Saina Nehwal followed PV Sindhu’s Japan Open triumph and was made public in coverage dated July 20, 2026. The brief exchange of praise highlights recognition between two of India’s prominent badminton players. The report focused on the immediate reaction rather than match specifics.

Saina’s concise message underlined her support for Sindhu after the tournament outcome. The exact words she used were: "Never write a champion off," attributed to Saina Nehwal. That line appeared in the item published on July 20, 2026.

PV Sindhu’s Japan Open victory prompted the response and was the central fact in the coverage. Saina Nehwal’s statement was presented without additional commentary in the report. The coverage placed the quote directly alongside the news of Sindhu’s win.

The exchange was presented to readers as a straightforward acknowledgement from one athlete to another. The published piece did not expand beyond Saina’s one-line endorsement and the announcement of Sindhu’s success.

The reporting date on the item is July 20, 2026, and the factual elements recorded were PV Sindhu’s Japan Open title and Saina Nehwal’s quoted reaction. The piece preserved the single-line support from Saina to Sindhu with the exact phrasing: "Never write a champion off."