Bhubaneswar: India’s star shuttler PV Sindhu has described her historic Japan Open 2026 title triumph as special because it coincided with the sacred Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, while thanking Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik for his congratulatory message.

Patnaik congratulated Sindhu after she became the first Indian woman to win the Japan Open women's singles title. In a post on X, he praised her historic victory over Japan's Akane Yamaguchi in the final, calling it a flawless performance. He noted that Sindhu defeated the home favourite and three-time world champion in straight sets and wished her continued success in bringing glory to the country.

Responding to Patnaik's message on X, Sindhu expressed her gratitude and shared her admiration for Odisha.

"Thank you very much, Naveen Sir. My father-in-law, who served as a senior bureaucrat, has always spoken so highly of you, your leadership and your governance of Odisha," she wrote.

Sindhu said it felt "truly poetic" that her landmark victory came during Mahaprabhu Jagannath's sacred Rath Yatra.

She also expressed her desire to visit Puri soon to take part in the celebrations and seek the blessings of Lord Jagannath.

"I hope to return to Puri soon, experience the divine celebrations and seek Mahaprabhu's blessings at the Jagannath Temple," Sindhu said, adding that Patnaik's wishes meant a great deal to her.