P V Sindhu is back — and she’s made it known with a straight-games win over Indonesia’s Ester Nurumi Tri Wardoyo in the opening round of the Bank of Ningbo Badminton Asia Championships 2025.
WS R32
🇮🇳 P.V. Sindhu 21-15, 21-19 🇮🇩 Ester Nurumi Tri Wardoyo
Duration: 44 minutes
It was a much-needed victory for the Indian ace, who has endured a rough patch this season with multiple first-round exits. But on Wednesday, she looked sharper, more composed, and determined to prove her critics wrong.
Sindhu controlled the rallies in Game 1 despite a sluggish start and responded smartly to Wardoyo’s aggressive net play. In Game 2, things got a little nervy as Wardoyo clawed back late, but Sindhu held her ground with crucial points under pressure to seal the match.
She now faces a blockbuster R16 clash against 3rd seed Akane Yamaguchi, a player she has described in the past as one of her personal favourites — and a longtime rival. With their head-to-head standing at 14-11 in favor of Yamaguchi, expect fireworks in this one.
Priyanshu Rajawat Fights Back to Beat Former World Bronze Medalist
In one of the most dramatic matches of the day, Priyanshu Rajawat showcased resilience and flair to come from a game down and beat Thailand’s Kantaphon Wangcharoen, the 2019 World Championship bronze medallist.
MS R32
🇮🇳 Priyanshu Rajawat 20-22, 21-12, 21-10 🇹🇭 Kantaphon Wangcharoen
After losing five straight points from 20-17 up in the first game, Priyanshu could’ve crumbled — but he came out firing in Games 2 and 3, overwhelming the Thai with pace and angle. He now sets up a high-octane R16 clash against Japan’s Kodai Naraoka.
Tough Day for Lakshya & Malvika
It wasn’t all sunshine for Team India.
Lakshya Sen, returning to form recently, ran into a red-hot Chia Hao Lee of Chinese Taipei and never really got going.
MS R32
🇹🇼 Chia Hao Lee 21-18, 21-10 🇮🇳 Lakshya Sen
Duration: 35 minutes
In women’s singles, Malvika Bansod couldn’t match the class of China’s Gao Fang Jie, who outplayed her in all departments.
WS R32
🇨🇳 Gao Fang Jie 21-14, 21-8 🇮🇳 Malvika Bansod
Doubles Round-Up:
MD – Hariharan/Ruban Dominate
A commanding performance by the Indian duo Hariharan Amsakarunan / Ruban Kumar saw them cruise past the Sri Lankan team of Madhuka / Lahiru with ease:
21-3, 21-12
They now face a tougher challenge next against either Kenya Mitsuhashi / Hiroki Okamura (JPN) or the Malaysian giants Aaron Chia / Soh Wooi Yik.
XD – Mixed Fortunes Turn Positive
- Dhruv Kapila / Tanisha Crasto bounced back after dropping the first game to win 15-21, 21-12, 21-11 over Su Yin Cheng / Pang Ron Hoo (MAS).
R16 vs Ye Hong Wei / Lee Chia Hsin (TPE) - Surya / Pramuthesh had a clean win over a Sri Lankan pair, 21-9, 21-11, but will now face the toughest test of their careers — a Round of 16 clash with World No. 1s Jiang Zhen Bang / Wei Ya Xin (CHN).
India’s Campaign Heating Up
With Sindhu, Priyanshu, and several doubles pairs making it to the R16, India still has strong representation at #BAC2025. The second round will feature stern tests, especially with Sindhu-Yamaguchi and Priyanshu-Naraoka on the cards.
Stay tuned for all the updates, reactions, and results — only on IndiaSportsHub.
Let me know if you want a version for Instagram, Twitter, or an app notification-style summary!
