Olympic medallist PV Sindhu on Sunday described it as “truly poetic” that her historic Japan Open triumph coincided with the sacred Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath. She thanked Leader of the Opposition in the Odisha Assembly and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik for congratulating her on the achievement and expressed her desire to visit Puri soon to seek the blessings of Lord Jagannath.
Sindhu scripted history by becoming the first Indian to win the Japan Open women’s singles title after defeating home favourite and three-time world champion Akane Yamaguchi in straight games in the final.
Congratulating the ace shuttler in a post on X, Patnaik hailed her “historic win” and “flawless performance”, saying her victory had brought immense pride to the nation. He wished her continued success and many more laurels for the country.
Responding to the message, Sindhu expressed her gratitude while sharing a personal connection with the former Odisha Chief Minister.
“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 on X.
“It feels truly poetic that this victory has come during Mahaprabhu Jagannath’s sacred Rath Yatra. I hope to return to Puri soon, experience the divine celebrations, and seek Mahaprabhu’s blessings at the Jagannath Temple,” she said, adding, “Thank you once again, Sir. Your wishes mean a great deal to me.”
Sindhu’s response to Patnaik’s congratulatory message, particularly her reference to the Rath Yatra and her desire to visit Puri, added a spiritual dimension to the celebration of her landmark achievement.