India made a powerful statement on Wednesday, charging into the quarterfinals of the BWF World Junior Badminton Championships’ team event, the Suhandinata Cup, after a decisive victory over the United Arab Emirates in Guwahati. The year 2025 is already shaping up to be a memorable one for young Indian shuttlers.
The National Centre of Excellence buzzed with excitement as other major upsets unfolded. The United States stunned France, and Japan triumphed over top-seeded Thailand, both securing their positions at the top of their respective groups.
India’s dominant performance saw them defeat UAE with scores of 45-37 and 45-34. In other thrilling encounters, Japan edged out Thailand 45-42, 45-34 in Group A, while the USA secured their quarterfinal berth in Group B with a narrow 45-43, 45-43 win against France.
Only the top teams from each of the eight groups will advance to the quarterfinals, vying for the prestigious Suhandinata Cup. Other nations to stamp their authority and top their groups include badminton powerhouses China (Group D) and Indonesia (Group F).
As the second-seeded team, India entered this crucial match against UAE brimming with confidence, having already secured convincing wins against Nepal and Sri Lanka. They stood as the sole unbeaten team in Group H, a testament to their consistent performance.
Their unwavering confidence was evident in their approach against the UAE squad, which featured several players with prior experience in the competitive Indian domestic circuit.
Rising star and USA Open finalist Tanvi Sharma kicked off India’s campaign with a strong performance, overcoming UAE’s Prakriti Bharath 9-5. The momentum continued with the mixed doubles pair of C Lalramsanga and Vishakha Toppo extending India’s lead to 18-10 against Adithya Kiran and Sakshi Kurbkhelgi.
While UAE fought valiantly, particularly in the boys’ singles and doubles, their efforts ultimately weren’t enough to bridge the gap. Bharath Lateesh secured nine points against Hmar Lalthazuala in singles and later combined with Riyan Malhan to add 10 points against Bhagav Ram Arigela and Viswa Tej Gobburu in doubles.
In the subsequent set, Unnati Hooda stepped in for Tanvi, and Suryansh Rawat took Hmar’s place, showcasing India’s depth in talent.
Unnati immediately made an impact, defeating Prakriti 9-6 to open the second set, and from that point, the Indian team never relinquished their control.
Meanwhile, on an adjacent court, Japan seized a crucial advantage against top-seeded Thailand. Yuzuno Watanabe, an Asian Junior mixed team championships bronze medallist, delivered a stellar performance, defeating Anyapat Phichitpreechasak 9-5 in the opening girls’ singles, propelling Japan to a 45-42 victory in the first set.
Watanabe continued her impressive form in the second set, dominating Yataweemin Ketklieng with a 9-2 win, solidifying Japan’s lead and ultimately securing their top position in Group A with a flawless performance.
However, the most jubilant celebrations belonged to Team USA, who successfully navigated a formidable challenge from 5/8 seeds France.
In a series of nail-biting matches that went down to the wire in both sets, it was USA’s boys’ singles player, Garret Tan, who showcased remarkable composure. He narrowly defeated France’s Mady Sow 9-8 in the first set and then, under immense pressure in the second, quickly secured nine vital points to ensure his team topped Group B.
Looking ahead, the USA is set to face Japan in a highly anticipated quarterfinal clash. India awaits the winner of Group G, whose top-placed team is yet to be determined, as they prepare for their next challenge.