PV Sindhu's Comeback: From Injury to New Season Success

PV Sindhu is back in action after recovering from a toe injury that sidelined her last season. With a strong start to the new season, she is set to lead the Indian contingent at the Yonex-Sunrise India Open. Sindhu's recent performance at the Malaysia Open has boosted her ranking, and she is optimistic about maintaining her momentum. Additionally, she has taken on the role of chair for the BWF’s Athlete Commission, emphasizing her commitment to representing players' interests. Emerging talents like Tanvi Sharma and Tharun Mannepalli are also making headlines as they enter the main draw of the tournament. Read on to discover more about Sindhu's journey and the upcoming matches.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 13, 2026, 06:08 IST

Sindhu's Positive Start to the Season

PV Sindhu is in high spirits, and the reasons are clear. She has successfully recovered from a toe injury that cut her previous season short, and she has kicked off the new season on a promising note. In her recent outing at the Malaysia Open, Sindhu reached the semifinals but was defeated by China's Wang Zhi Yi with scores of 16-21, 15-21.

This resurgence is set to elevate her individual ranking from 18th to 12th when the Badminton World Federation updates its standings. Sindhu is poised to lead the Indian team at the Yonex-Sunrise India Open, commencing on Tuesday.

Sindhu Reflects on Her Journey

Speaking to the media on Monday, Sindhu shared, "I began playing again in the second week of December. Initially, I planned to compete in the Syed Modi tournament but had to withdraw at the last moment. After that, I participated in Malaysia. I took it one match at a time, and everything seems to be going well. I feel it was a good run."

She expressed her enjoyment of the game, stating, "Starting off well gives me hope to maintain my rhythm and confidence. Success breeds confidence, and even if you face early exits, it's crucial to have that inner belief to return stronger. That's vital for any athlete."

New Responsibilities for Sindhu

In addition to her role as a seasoned competitor, Sindhu has recently been appointed as the chair of the BWF’s Athlete Commission, a responsibility she takes seriously.

"Being the chair comes with the duty to represent players' thoughts and concerns. We gather input from athletes and present it to the BWF, which can lead to necessary changes. It's fascinating to delve deeper into these matters," she explained regarding her new position.

Emerging Talents in the Main Draw

In other news, world junior championships silver medalist Tanvi Sharma and Tharun Mannepalli have been elevated to the main draw after several top players withdrew.

Tharun will now face Kidambi Srikanth in the opening round, benefiting from the withdrawal of world champion Shi Yu Qi. Additionally, two all-India matchups are set for the first round of men's singles, featuring Lakshya Sen against Ayush Shetty.

In women's singles, Tanvi has also advanced to the main draw due to reigning world champion Akane Yamaguchi's withdrawal. She will compete against second seed Wang Zhi Yi in her first match, with the winner set to meet Sindhu in the second round.