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Saina Nehwal Backs P.V. Sindhu for Asian Games Success

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Sep 19, 2026, 08:36 IST

Olympic medalist Saina Nehwal has tipped P.V. Sindhu to excel at the 2026 Asian Games, citing her recent Japan Open victory and ability to perform under pressure in major international badminton tournaments.

Saina Nehwal Backs P.V. Sindhu for Asian Games Success

Saina Nehwal has expressed strong confidence in P.V. Sindhu’s prospects at the upcoming 2026 Asian Games, highlighting the shuttler's proven ability to deliver on the biggest stages. According to the former world number one, Sindhu’s recent return to form, punctuated by a significant title win, positions her as a serious contender for the podium.

The 31-year-old Sindhu recently secured the Japan Open title, becoming the first Indian shuttler to achieve the feat. Her victory was sealed with a dominant straight-games performance against local favorite Akane Yamaguchi in the final. This success, coupled with a narrow defeat against Wang Zhi in the World Championships round-of-16, has signaled a resurgence in her career after a period of fluctuating results.

Confidence in Big-Match Temperament

Speaking during a virtual media interaction on Friday, Nehwal emphasized that Sindhu’s mental fortitude is her greatest asset. She noted that while professional athletes often experience performance cycles, Sindhu’s discipline and focus remain consistent. Nehwal remarked that she has never observed Sindhu succumbing to tension during high-stakes matches, a trait she believes is essential for success at the Asian Games.

Nehwal also pointed to the venue as a potential advantage, noting that Sindhu has historically performed well in Japan. By leveraging her extensive experience and composure, Sindhu is well-placed to navigate the challenges of the tournament, which is scheduled to commence on September 19, 2026.

Optimism for the Indian Contingent

Beyond Sindhu’s individual prospects, Nehwal remains optimistic about the broader Indian badminton squad. She identified several key players and pairs who are capable of securing medals, including Tanvi Sharma, Ashmita Chaliha, and Ayush Shetty. The men’s doubles pair of Satwik and Chirag, along with the women’s doubles duo of Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand—who recently claimed bronze at the World Championships—were also highlighted as strong medal contenders.

While acknowledging that the weight of expectation in major tournaments can create additional pressure, Nehwal maintained that the current team possesses the strength and confidence to succeed. She projected that the Indian contingent is capable of returning home with at least three medals. The 2026 Asian Games will be broadcast live and exclusive on the Sony Sports Network and Sony LIV.