In a remarkable display at the Badminton Asia Team Championships in Selangor, Malaysia, on Wednesday, the Indian women’s team pulled off an upset against China, while the men’s team secured a convincing victory over Hong Kong, ensuring their place in the quarterfinals.
Led by two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu, the Indian women’s team achieved a historic win against China with a 3-2 scoreline in the Group W clash. Despite challenges in the doubles and singles matches, the duo of Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand emerged victorious in a hard-fought battle, ultimately leveling the score. National champion, Anmol Kharab, then sealed the victory by winning her singles match against Wu Luo Yu with a score of 22-20, 14-21, 21-18.
In the men’s team event, despite an initial setback with HS Prannoy’s loss, the Indian team bounced back to defeat Hong Kong 4-1. With this win, they have positioned themselves for a crucial match against China to determine the group winners on Thursday.
Badminton Association of India General Secretary Sanjay Mishra expressed his joy, stating, “It is a special feeling to see the team beating China. More importantly, we showed faith in the youngsters while selecting the team, and I am happy they delivered the goods.”
Kidambi Srikanth defeats Gunawan J. 2-0 (21-14, 21-18)
India 4-1 Hong Kong#BadmintonAsiaTeamChampionships2024 https://t.co/l5lonQ6hUI
— RevSportz (@RevSportz) February 14, 2024
With just two teams in Group W, the Indian women’s team is set to qualify for the quarterfinals as the top team.
Results:
Women: India beat China 3-2 (PV Sindhu bt Han Yue 21-17, 21-15; Ashwini Ponnappa/Tanisha Crasto lost to Liu Sheng Shu/Tan Ning 19-21, 16-21; Ashmita Chaliha lost to Wang Zhi Yi 13-21, 15-21; Treesa Jolly/Gayatri Gopichand bt Li Yi Jing/Luo Xu Min 10-21, 21-18, 21-17; Anmol Kharab bt Wu Luo Yu 22-20, 14-21, 21-18)
Men: India beat Hong Kong 4-1 (HS Prannoy lost to NG Ka Long Angus 18-21, 14-21; Satwiksairaj Rankireddy/Chirag Shetty bt Lui Chun Wai/Yeung Shing Choi 21-16, 21-11; Lakshya Sen bt Chand Yik Chak 21-14, 21-9; MR Arjun/Dhruv Kapila bt Chow Hin Long/Hung Kuei Chun 21-12, 21-7; Kidambi Srikanth bt Jason Gunawan 21-14, 21-18)