The Syed Modi India International Super 300 tournament in Lucknow marked a significant achievement for Indian badminton, as PV Sindhu and Lakshya Sen ended their respective title droughts. Sindhu claimed her third title at the event, while Lakshya secured his first, and the women’s doubles duo, Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand, made history by becoming the first Indian women’s pair to win the title since 2009.
Sindhu’s Steady Triumph
PV Sindhu won her third Syed Modi title, defeating China’s Wu Luo Yu 21-14, 21-16. Despite the challenge posed by her left-handed opponent, Sindhu remained composed and controlled the rallies effectively. This victory ended a long wait of over two years for Sindhu, marking a significant milestone in her career. Sindhu reflected on the win, expressing confidence in her ability to stay injury-free and continue playing smartly in the coming years.
Lakshya Sen’s Maiden Title
Lakshya Sen dominated his final against Singapore’s Jia Heng Jason Teh, winning 21-6, 21-7. His aggressive play and solid defense throughout the match left his opponent struggling. Lakshya’s performance included an incredible rally at 16-7 in Game 2, where he displayed his defensive skills with a remarkable dive to win the point. This victory, after a wait of over a year, signified a breakthrough for Lakshya, who aims to continue pushing his limits and dreaming bigger.
Historic Win for Treesa-Gayatri
In a groundbreaking achievement, Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand became the first Indian women’s doubles pair to win the Syed Modi title. They defeated Li Jing Bao and Li Qian of China 21-18, 21-11, etching their names in the history books.
Looking Ahead: Confidence and Growth
Both Sindhu and Lakshya have expressed their focus on smartly navigating their careers, with Sindhu aiming for consistency and injury prevention, and Lakshya reinforcing his belief in pushing harder and dreaming bigger. As they close the year with these triumphs, both shuttlers have demonstrated resilience, proving that their best may still lie ahead.