India’s Mixed Team Badminton Creates History Amid Rollercoaster Day at World University Games
It was a day of drama, heart, heartbreak, and ultimately historic triumph for India at the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 World University Games, as the Mixed Team Badminton squad scripted a late-night fairytale to reach the semifinals for the first time ever. Across 15 hours of action, Indian athletes were tested across badminton, basketball, table tennis, fencing, swimming, tennis, and taekwondo. Some stumbled, some soared, but the day will be forever remembered for the grit displayed in the early hours of the morning.
Badminton Glory: A Midnight Epic for the Ages
India’s Mixed Team Badminton campaign was the headline act, culminating in a 3–2 victory over Malaysia in a dramatic quarterfinal that stretched until 2:15 AM IST. The match had everything: early dominance, momentum swings, a nervy collapse, and finally, redemption.
India opened the tie strongly. The duo of Sathish and Vaishnavi gave India a 1–0 lead in mixed doubles after a commanding third game. Saneeth followed with a hard-fought three-game win in the men’s singles, pushing the score to 2–0.
However, Malaysia clawed back. Devika Sihag lost a tightly contested singles match, and India’s men’s doubles pair of Sathish and Saneeth—though experienced—could not resist the Malaysian attack. The match was now 2–2.
Enter the women’s doubles decider, where India fielded a makeshift pair. They lost the opening game 9–15, and the tie appeared to slip away. But they showed unflinching resolve to win the next two games 15–13 and 15–12, sending the Indian bench into raptures. It was India’s first-ever semifinal berth in the mixed team event at the FISU Games—a momentous step for Indian university sport.
Basketball Battles: Harsh Reality Check Against USA & Argentina
If badminton provided elation, basketball offered a grounding reminder of the gulf that remains in team sports.
Facing USA in the men’s opener, India ran into a collegiate powerhouse in Baylor University, representing the American side. India trailed heavily right from tip-off and eventually lost 52–111, with only a late rally providing some consolation. The fourth quarter saw better ball movement, but the damage was long done by then.
On the women’s side, India took on Argentina and trailed by just six points at the end of the third quarter. However, a disastrous final frame saw India score only four points while conceding 22, resulting in a 57–86 loss. Despite double-digit scoring efforts from Riya, Manvi, Priyanka, and Yashika, the team couldn’t hold on.
In the 3×3 format, the Indian men’s team bowed out after a 7–21 defeat to Italy in the play-ins.
Fencing: Rising Stars Shine Bright
India’s fencing contingent put up one of its most promising shows yet at a multi-sport event. Abhinash Meitei Kangabam, the 17-year-old Khelo India champion, starred in the Men’s Foil, defeating fencers from Qatar and Israel en route to a 15th-place finish. His run ended in the Pre-Quarterfinals against Poland’s Novak.
In the Women’s Sabre, four Indians made it to the knockouts—a first. Shreya Gupta impressed with a direct entry into the Round of 32, where she lost to Spain’s Gomez. Aakhri, who narrowly beat a German opponent 15–14 in the group stage, finished 32nd after falling to Lola from France. These results signal growing depth in Indian fencing, with Bhavani Devi’s legacy beginning to inspire the next generation.
Table Tennis: Quarterfinal Exit, But Paddlers Show Grit
India’s women’s team faced a tough Chinese Taipei side in the quarterfinals and lost 0–3. Despite spirited efforts from Suhana, Sayali, and Pritha, the team couldn’t crack their more seasoned opponents.
However, there were some bright spots earlier in the day. Pritha staged a remarkable comeback from 0–2 down to win 3–2 against her American opponent in the group stages. Suhana and Taneesha also registered convincing 3–0 wins in singles matches, showing that India’s bench strength continues to improve.
Swimming: A Day to forget
India’s swimmers had a quieter day, failing to qualify for any event finals. In the men’s 200m breaststroke, Manikanta (2:21.80) and Aditya (2:36.10) finished 35th and 39th, respectively. The 4×100m medley relay team also ended last in their heat.
However, earlier in the Games, four national records were broken across events—a testament to the slow but steady growth of Indian swimming at the university level.
Tennis: Doubles Duo Advance
In tennis, the men’s doubles pair of Kabir Hans and Maan Kesarwani lost the match after winning the first set against German duo. In the women’s draw, Vaishnavi Adkar continued her strong form, winning her Round of 32 match 6–2, 6–4 to book a spot in the pre-quarterfinals.
Taekwondo: Anika Impresses, Falls in QF
Anika was one of the standout athletes of the day, breezing through the women’s -46kg Round of 32 and Round of 16 with 2–0 wins. However, she ran into a wall in the quarterfinals, losing to South Korea’s Kim. Her poise and aggression in the early rounds were commendable.
On the men’s side, Armaan and Himanshu fell early, both losing their respective opening bouts.
Overall: A Day of Grit, Growth, and Glory
As the third day concluded, India found itself in a familiar mix of triumph and turbulence. Athletes across disciplines fought hard, with fencing, table tennis, and taekwondo producing encouraging signs.
But badminton stole the show—not just because of the win, but how it came. The semifinal qualification wasn’t just a result—it was a statement of intent. A promise that Indian university sport is climbing higher.
With multiple medal hopes still alive and more events scheduled across athletics, shooting, and judo, India’s campaign is building momentum—fueled by heart, history, and the hunger to prove itself on the world stage.
