India Go Down Fighting to Japan in Quarterfinals of Badminton Asia Junior Mixed Team Championships
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India’s junior badminton team delivered a spirited performance but fell just short against former champions Japan, losing 110-104 in a tense quarterfinal clash at the Badminton Asia Junior Mixed Team Championships.
The closely contested encounter, held under the new relay scoring system, saw India take the early lead but eventually lose steam as Japan claimed the last five matches to seal their place in the semifinals. Despite the result, India’s campaign was filled with promising moments, and the team displayed impressive grit and depth throughout the tournament.
India started the quarterfinal strongly, bouncing back after losing the opening game 11-9. The boys' doubles pair of Bhargav Ram Arigela and Viswa Tej Gobburu quickly brought India level. Their win was followed by another steady performance from the girls' doubles duo, Vennala Kalagotla and Reshika Uthayasooriyan, which pushed India into the lead at 33-26.
Reshika teamed up with Bhavya Chhabra for the mixed doubles event, helping India maintain momentum at 44-35. Rounak Chouhan then stepped up with a commanding singles performance that extended India’s advantage.
For most of the match, India stayed ahead, showing better coordination and consistency. However, Japan—known for their strong junior squad and champions of the 2023 edition—rallied back in the final stretch. They won the last five encounters, most of them going down to the wire. The fightback not only demonstrated Japan’s experience under pressure but also exposed the narrow margins that separated the two sides.
Highlights of India’s Campaign
Although the quarterfinal exit was a disappointment, India had a memorable run in the tournament. The team topped Group D with wins over Hong Kong China, the United Arab Emirates, and Sri Lanka. The victories showcased India’s growing strength in both singles and doubles categories.
The boys’ pair of Bhargav and Viswa Tej and the girls’ duo of Reshika and Vennala were key contributors to India’s success. Their chemistry and consistency gave India crucial points in every round.
C Lalramsanga was another standout performer in the doubles category. His performances, both with Bhavya in the boys' doubles and with Taarini Suri in mixed doubles, brought depth to India’s team strategy.
In the singles category, Rounak Chouhan pulled off a major upset by defeating world junior No. 5 Lam Ka To. Meanwhile, Rujula Ramu impressed with her wins over two top-20 junior players, underlining the potential in India’s singles lineup.
What’s Next?
With the mixed team championship now concluded, all eyes are on the individual events, set to begin on July 23. The Indian team will look to build on the momentum and continue challenging the continent’s best in both singles and doubles disciplines.
Organised annually by Badminton Asia, the mixed team junior championship is a prestigious event that brings together the top U-19 talent from across Asia. The tournament tests teams across five categories — boys’ singles, girls’ singles, boys’ doubles, girls’ doubles, and mixed doubles.
Although India have yet to win the mixed team event since its inception in 2006, this year's performance is a positive sign. With consistent investment in grassroots development and international exposure, India’s junior shuttlers are edging closer to becoming continental champions.
Final Thoughts from The Trending People:
India’s narrow loss to Japan in the quarterfinals was a heartbreaker, but the fight and flair shown by the juniors are commendable. With individual events around the corner, Indian fans can expect more exciting matches and potential podium finishes. The depth and potential in the team suggest that India’s wait for a title in the mixed team event might not be long.
