Indian Women Make History, Reach Semifinals In Badminton Asia Team Championships; Men Face Defeat Against Japan

The Indian women's badminton team made history by securing a spot in the Badminton Asia Team Championships semi-finals with a convincing 3-0 victory over Hong Kong. However, the Indian men's team faced a tough challenge and narrowly lost 2-3 against Japan in Selangor, Malaysia, on Friday.

The Indian women's badminton team, led by two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu, continued their impressive performance by capitalising on a favourable quarter-final draw. After upsetting China earlier in the week to top Group W, the team showcased their skill and determination in the quarter-final match.

Sindhu, making a comeback after a prolonged injury break, displayed a strong start against Lo Sin Yan Happy. Despite facing challenges in the second game, she managed to regroup and secure a victory with a score of 21-7, 16-21, 21-12, providing India with the lead.

Sindhu started the match strongly, securing 11 out of the first 12 points and easily winning the opening game. However, Lo posed a challenge in the second game with her deceptive strokes, leading to a decider. In the final game, Sindhu displayed her strength, starting aggressively and maintaining control throughout, ultimately securing victory without facing much difficulty.

Tanisha Crasto and Ashwini Ponnappa showcased their excellent form in women's doubles, defeating the world no. 18 pairs of Yeung Nga Ting and Yeung Pui Lam with a score of 21-10, 21-14. This victory brought India closer to securing a spot in the semi-finals.

Ashmita Chaliha secured the victory in the quarterfinals with a convincing 21-12, 21-13 win over Yeung Sum Yee. With this win, India is now assured of a medal and will face top-seeded Japan in the semi-finals. Unfortunately, the men's team fell short of a semi-final spot as two-time former world champion Kento Momota led Japan to victory by defeating Kidambi Srikanth in the third singles match.

With the team tied at 2-2, attention turned to the decisive third and final singles match between former world no. 1 Kidambi Srikanth and Kento Momota. Srikanth took the lead by winning the opening game, but the Japanese player mounted a comeback, leading to a decider.

India appeared set for the semi-finals as Srikanth secured a 19-12 lead, but Momota staged a comeback, claiming eight consecutive points. Although the Indian saved one match point, he couldn't prevent the Japanese player from winning the match in an hour and 17 minutes.

Quarter Finals Results:
Women: India secured a 3-0 victory against Hong Kong in the Badminton Asia Team Championships. PV Sindhu overcame Lo Sin Yan Happy with a scoreline of 21-7, 16-21, 21-12. The women's doubles pair of Tanisha Crasto and Ashwini Ponnappa dominated Yeung Nga Ting and Yeung Pui Lam, winning 21-10, 21-14. Ashmita Chaliha sealed the win with a 21-12, 21-13 victory over Yeung Sum Yee.

Men: India faced a 2-3 defeat against Japan in the Badminton Asia Team Championships. HS Prannoy lost to Kenta Nishimoto with a score of 16-21, 24-26. The men's doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty secured a victory against Kenya Mitsuhashi and Hiroki Okamura, winning 21-15, 21-17. Lakshya Sen triumphed over Koki Watanabe with a score of 21-19, 22-20. However, MR Arjun and Dhruv Kapila faced defeat against Akira Koga and Kazuki Shibata with a scoreline of 17-21, 15-21. In the final singles, Kidambi Srikanth lost a closely contested match against Kento Momota, with a score of 21-17, 9-21, 20-22.