PV Sindhu exits Asian Games 2026 women's singles quarter-finals after loss to Chen Yufei

PV Sindhu's individual campaign at the Asian Games 2026 ended in the women's singles quarter-final. The Indian shuttler lost to Chen Yufei of China in three sets, 21-11, 18-21, 10-21, at Aichi-Nagoya. Sindhu started impressively and won the opening game easily, but Chen Yufei recovered to take the next two games and seal a place in the semi-finals. The match began with Sindhu in complete control. She moved well, attacked aggressively and gave Chen Yufei little time to settle. The first game ended 21-11 in Sindhu's favour. However, Chen Yufei adjusted her approach in the second game. She played more patiently and gradually turned the match around. A 21-18 win in the second game levelled the contest at 1-1. The deciding game was a different story. Early in the third game, a marathon 122-second rally gave Chen Yufei a crucial edge. She gained momentum and never looked back. Sindhu struggled to recover as Chen Yufei pulled away to win the third game 21-10 and complete a memorable comeback. This defeat means Sindhu will leave ASIAD 2026 without a medal in the women's singles. She is one of India's most successful shuttlers, with an Olympic silver medal from Rio 2026 and an Olympic bronze medal from Tokyo 2026, as well as a world title. Despite a strong start, she could not maintain the consistency required at the highest level. Chen Yufei, the Tokyo Olympic champion, showed great composure and deserved the win. Chen Yufei will now move on to the semi-finals of the women's singles. Her ability to absorb pressure and change tactics during the match proved decisive. For Sindhu, the focus will shift to upcoming BWF events. She remains a key figure for Indian badminton, and this loss serves as a reminder of how demanding the top level of the sport is.