Japan Open 2025: Anupama Upadhyaya's exit ends India's challenge

India’s run at the Japan Open 2025 ends with Anupama Upadhyaya’s Round of 16 exit.

India’s campaign in the Japan Open 2025 came to an end on Thursday as Anupama Upadhyaya, the last Indian shuttler left in the draw, crashed out of the tournament in the Round of 16.

The teenager put up a good fight against World No. 1 Chinese Wang Zhiyi but lost in three games, marking a disappointing end to what otherwise had been an inconsistent show from the Indian camp.

Anupama had caused a flutter during the week with her distraught victory over World No. 11 Beiwen Zhang in the first round. Her bold attitude and aggressive style had temporarily revived Indian hopes of a long-term stay in the BWF Super 750 tournament.

Wang’s better tactical awareness and court coverage were too much for Anupama to handle as the Chinese legend wrapped up the match in under an hour with a 21-13, 11-21, 21-12 win.

Before her, many other Indian stars were knocked out. Lakshya Sen and the men’s doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty were defeated in the Round of 16 on Day 2. While PV Sindhu, Unnati Hooda, and others fell in the first round. India no longer has any entries left in any category, and this marks the end of India’s journey at the Japan Open 2025

The limelight now turns to future tournaments such as the BWF World Championships and China Open, where Indian shuttlers will attempt to regroup and rebuild following a disappointing performance at Tokyo.

Anupama Upadhyaya exits in three-game thriller

Anupama Upadhyaya, who was the only Indian shuttler left in the tournament after a series of early exits, fought valiantly against World No. 1 Wang Zhiyi of China but ultimately lost in a three-game contest. The Indian started strong, taking the second game after losing the first, but couldn’t sustain the momentum as she went down 13-21, 21-11, 12-21 in 58 minutes.

The 19-year-old had earlier stunned World No. 11 Beiwen Zhang in the opening round, raising hopes of a deep run. However, Wang’s superior pace and control proved decisive in the decider, as Anupama’s challenge faded.

Lakshya Sen, Satwik-Chirag were out early

On Day 2, Lakshya Sen was eliminated after losing to Japan’s Kodai Naraoka in straight games. Despite a close opening game, Sen lost 19-21, 14-21, failing to match Naraoka’s speed and deceptive shots.

India’s star men’s doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty also faced a tough draw, bowing out to China’s World No. 5 duo Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang. Despite putting up a fight in the opening game, the Indian pair lost 24-22, 21-14 in a match lasting 47 minutes.

PV Sindhu, Unnati Hooda, and others fall early

Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu suffered a shock first-round defeat to World No. 24 Lin Hsiang Ti of Chinese Taipei in straight games, crashing out 21-18, 21-13. Rising stars Unnati Hooda and Rakshitha Sree also couldn’t make it past the opening hurdles, with both losing their respective Round-of-32 matches.

India did not have any representation in the mixed doubles or women’s doubles Round of 16 after all pairs were ousted early in the tournament.

India’s results at the Japan Open 2025:

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