PV Sindhu’s Paris Heartbreak: Sixth World Championships Medal Dream Ends in Quarterfinal Clash

Paris, August 29, 2025 – India’s badminton queen PV Sindhu saw her dream of winning a sixth World Championships medal come to an end. The 29-year-old star crashed out in the quarterfinals of the BWF World Championships after a thrilling three-game battle against Indonesia’s rising shuttler Putri Kusuma Wardani at the Adidas Arena in Paris.

Sindhu had entered the tournament with hopes of making history. She already owns five World Championship medals in her glittering career – a gold from 2019, two silvers from 2017 and 2018, and two bronzes from 2013 and 2014. A sixth would have made her the first women’s singles player in badminton history to achieve this rare feat.

But Wardani, only 23, spoiled the party. She stunned the Indian ace with fearless play and kept her composure in crunch points to seal the match.

The Quarterfinal Battle

The clash between Sindhu and Wardani was a high-voltage affair. Fans filled the Adidas Arena in Paris, cheering loudly for both players. Wardani started with confidence, attacking with sharp smashes and quick net play. Sindhu looked a bit unsettled and dropped the first game 14-21.

In the second game, Sindhu fought back like a true champion. She showed her attacking flair, mixed with patient rallies. Her sharp cross-court winners and aggressive smashes had Wardani on the backfoot. Sindhu dominated this phase, winning 21-13 to level the match. The roar from her supporters was deafening.

The third and deciding game was all about nerves. Both players traded points, but Wardani managed to stay ahead. Sindhu tried to close the gap with her trademark smashes, but unforced errors at key moments hurt her momentum. Wardani kept her cool and wrapped up the game 21-16. With that, Sindhu’s journey in Paris came to an end.

Sindhu’s Road to the Quarters

Sindhu’s campaign had started in strong fashion. In the earlier rounds, she displayed confidence and control. The highlight came in the pre-quarterfinal, where she stunned world No. 2 Wang Zhiyi of China. The Indian won in straight games, 21-19, 21-15, in just 48 minutes. That victory reminded fans of Sindhu’s glory days and raised hopes of another medal.

Her earlier matches were also convincing. She used her experience and tactical awareness to overcome tricky opponents. Many believed that this version of Sindhu was close to her best, especially after struggling with injuries in recent years.

Sindhu’s Glittering World Championships Record

Few badminton players have a record like Sindhu at the World Championships. She has been a consistent performer at the global stage for more than a decade.

• 2013 (Guangzhou) – Bronze medal, her first major podium at age 18.
• 2014 (Copenhagen) – Bronze medal again, proving she was no one-time wonder.
• 2017 (Glasgow) – Silver medal after a marathon final against Nozomi Okuhara.
• 2018 (Nanjing) – Silver medal again, losing to Carolina Marin in the final.
• 2019 (Basel) – Gold medal, defeating Okuhara in style to become world champion.

This unmatched streak made her one of the most decorated players in badminton history. Only a few men and women have won five medals at the Worlds. Sindhu’s chance to be the first to six medals has now been delayed.

The Indonesian Rising Star

Putri Kusuma Wardani, ranked ninth in the tournament, is quickly becoming one of the brightest names in world badminton. Her fearless display against Sindhu was no surprise to those following her progress. Wardani has been consistent on the BWF World Tour and has already earned a reputation for handling pressure matches well.

Against Sindhu, Wardani showed maturity beyond her age. She didn’t panic when Sindhu won the second game. Instead, she stuck to her strategy, played tight at the net, and forced Sindhu into making mistakes. Her powerful defense and smart placements frustrated the Indian.

This victory is a major milestone in Wardani’s young career. It could also mark a shift in women’s singles, with the next generation starting to take down veterans like Sindhu.

Reaction from Fans and Experts

The loss left Indian fans heartbroken. Social media flooded with messages of support for Sindhu. Many praised her fighting spirit, while others admitted disappointment at seeing her fall short in the quarterfinals.

Former badminton players and experts also weighed in. They highlighted Sindhu’s incredible record but noted that consistency has been an issue in recent years. Injuries and form dips have made it harder for her to dominate the circuit like before.

Still, experts pointed out that beating Wang Zhiyi in the pre-quarters showed Sindhu is far from done. They believe she can still compete at the top level if she focuses on fitness and sharpness in crunch matches.

Sindhu’s Recent Struggles

The past two years have been challenging for Sindhu. After her 2019 world title and her Tokyo Olympics bronze in 2021, injuries slowed her down. She struggled with knee and ankle issues that kept her away from several tournaments.

Her rankings slipped, and she faced early exits in many competitions. Critics began to question if her prime was over. But in 2025, she showed signs of recovery. Her strong showing at the Paris World Championships was seen as a comeback of sorts, even if it didn’t end with a medal.

What Lies Ahead

Sindhu may have missed her chance at a sixth medal this time, but her career is not over. At 29, she still has time to chase glory. She is expected to regroup and prepare for the upcoming BWF World Tour events and the next Olympic cycle.

Her experience and big-match temperament remain her strongest weapons. If she manages to stay injury-free, Sindhu could still add more medals to her career. The Paris quarterfinal exit, while painful, might serve as motivation for her to return stronger.

For Indian badminton, Sindhu remains the face of the sport. Along with younger stars like Lakshya Sen, Satwik-Chirag, and HS Prannoy, she continues to inspire the next generation.

The Bigger Picture

Sindhu’s quarterfinal exit also shows how competitive women’s badminton has become. New names like Wardani, alongside established stars from China, Japan, and Korea, make the field tougher than ever. Dominance is no longer guaranteed.

For fans, though, Sindhu’s fighting spirit in Paris was a reminder of why she remains a legend. Her dream for a record sixth World Championships medal lives on, even if delayed.