PM Modi celebrates PV Sindhu’s Japan Open triumph and women’s cricket’s historic Lord’s win

During the 136th edition of his radio‑style address, Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a moment to shine a spotlight on two recent sporting feats that have the country buzzing. First up, he congratulated badminton star PV Sindhu for breaking new ground at the Japan Open, a tournament that had long eluded Indian players.

It wasn’t just any win – Sindhu rolled back the clock with a vintage, confident performance, beating Japan’s own world No. 3 Akane Yamaguchi 21‑17, 21‑17. That straight‑sets victory gave her the first Super 750 title of her career, ended a two‑year title drought, and, more importantly, made her the very first Indian shuttler to lift the coveted Japan Open trophy. “Our youth have achieved many remarkable achievements in sports in recent times. PV Sindhu has become the first Indian to win the Japan Open title in badminton. The entire nation is proud of her achievement,” the Prime Minister said, his voice ringing with genuine pride.

He didn’t stop there. Modi turned his attention to the women’s cricket squad, which earlier this month scripted a fairy‑tale ending at the hallowed Lord’s grounds in London. After a 142‑year wait for a women's Test at the iconic venue, India’s women thumped England by a massive 270 runs – a result that, in Modi’s words, was “historic”. The win not only marked India’s first Test triumph at Lord’s but also underscored the growing dominance of Indian women in red‑ball cricket.

“The Indian Women’s Cricket Team has also won its first Test Match at Lord’s Stadium in London. This is a historic victory,” the Prime Minister added, acknowledging the players’ “clinical all‑round performance”.

Both achievements, he noted, are more than just trophies; they are symbols of a nation’s sporting spirit evolving, of young athletes daring to dream bigger, and of India’s growing presence on the global stage. As listeners tuned in, the message was clear – from badminton courts in Tokyo to the historic greens of Lord’s, India’s talent is making waves, and the country is right there, cheering them on.

So, whether you’re a badminton enthusiast, a cricket aficionado, or just someone who loves a good success story, the Prime Minister’s words serve as a reminder: Indian sports are on the rise, and moments like these are worth celebrating, again and again.