Paris Glory Begins: HS Prannoy and PV Sindhu Shine with Straight-Game Wins at BWF World Championships 2025
Image via The Indian Express
Paris, August 26, 2025 – The Badminton World Championships 2025 started with a strong Indian flavour on Tuesday as HS Prannoy and PV Sindhu produced convincing performances to enter the second round. Both players won their opening matches in straight games, giving Indian fans plenty to cheer about at the iconic Adidas Arena in Paris.
Sindhu Shows Experience Against Young Nalbantova
PV Sindhu, India’s two-time Olympic medalist and World Champion in 2019, began her campaign with a clash against 19-year-old Bulgarian shuttler Kaloyana Nalbantova. The teenager started with confidence and put Sindhu under real pressure in the opening game. Nalbantova led 11-7 at the mid-game interval and looked on course to cause a surprise.
But Sindhu’s calm nerves and vast experience came to the rescue. She adjusted her strategy, reduced errors, and began attacking with precision. Despite facing two game points at 18-20, Sindhu fought back bravely. She saved both points and clinched the opener 23-21 after 26 minutes of intense rally play.
The second game was completely different. Sindhu shifted gears and displayed her trademark power game. Her smashes landed with authority and her net play became sharper. The young Bulgarian had no answers as Sindhu raced to a massive 21-6 win. The match lasted only 39 minutes, with Sindhu proving why she remains one of the most dangerous players in women’s singles.
This victory ensured Sindhu’s safe passage into the Round of 32. More importantly, it gave her confidence after a season where she has struggled with form and injuries.
Prannoy Fights Hard, Finishes Strong
HS Prannoy, seeded 10th in this year’s tournament, faced Finland’s Joakim Oldorff in his opening round. Prannoy, known for his fighting spirit, had to dig deep in the first game. Oldorff played aggressively, mixing powerful strokes with clever placements.
At 15-15, the game could have gone either way, but Prannoy’s composure made the difference. He relied on his signature jump smashes and tight net control to break the deadlock. In the end, he wrapped up the first game 21-18.
The second game saw Prannoy take better control. He cut down errors and forced Oldorff into defensive play. Using his experience, the Indian dictated the rallies and finished the match in straight games. With this, Prannoy ensured India’s second victory of the day and a spot in the next round.
India’s Bright Start at Paris 2025
The 2025 edition of the BWF World Championships is being held from August 25 to 31 at the Adidas Arena in Paris. It is one of the biggest events in badminton, bringing together the best players in the world. For India, the tournament has always been special. From Prakash Padukone’s bronze in 1983 to Sindhu’s gold in 2019, Indian shuttlers have a rich history at the World Championships.
This year, the pressure is on players like Sindhu, Prannoy, Lakshya Sen, and Satwiksairaj-Chirag to deliver medals. The early victories of Sindhu and Prannoy have set the tone for the Indian campaign.
Sindhu’s Journey – Looking Ahead
Sindhu’s win over Nalbantova is only the beginning. In the coming rounds, she is likely to face much tougher opponents, including seeded players from China, Japan, and Korea. Sindhu has not had a consistent season, but Paris offers her a chance to regain her rhythm.
Her ability to lift her game at big events has always been her strength. Fans remember her stunning runs in previous World Championships where she reached five finals before finally winning the title in 2019. Now, six years later, she is once again aiming for a medal to add to her glittering career.
Prannoy’s Mission – Consistency
For HS Prannoy, this tournament is about proving his consistency. He won a bronze medal at the 2023 edition in Copenhagen and has been one of India’s most reliable men’s singles players. However, injuries and dips in form have often held him back.
The victory against Oldorff was not just about advancing; it was also about regaining self-belief. Prannoy knows he must bring his best in the later rounds where players like Viktor Axelsen and Kunlavut Vitidsarn will be waiting.
If he maintains his sharpness and mental strength, Prannoy has the potential to repeat his semifinal heroics of 2023.
What It Means for Indian Badminton
India’s success in badminton over the last decade has been built on consistency at the biggest stages. Sindhu and Prannoy’s victories ensure that India stays in the spotlight early in the tournament.
The wins also inspire the younger generation of players who are watching their senior stars handle pressure on the world stage. With doubles teams also in action, India will hope for multiple entries into the later stages.
Match Summary
- PV Sindhu vs Kaloyana Nalbantova
First Game: Sindhu saved two game points and won 23-21
Second Game: Dominated with a 21-6 win
Match Duration: 39 minutes - HS Prannoy vs Joakim Oldorff
First Game: Prannoy won 21-18 after close battle
Second Game: Maintained control and sealed straight-game win
Result: Advanced to second round