India cruised into the quarterfinals of the Yonex-Sunrise BWF World Junior Championships 2025 for the Suhandinata Cup with a commanding 2-0 win over the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the National Centre of Excellence in Guwahati on Wednesday.
The second seeds completed the group stage unbeaten, joining the likes of Japan, USA, China, and Indonesia in the last eight. It was another composed performance from the Indian contingent, who displayed tactical discipline and bench strength across their matches. Having already registered wins over Nepal and Sri Lanka in earlier Group H fixtures, India carried that confidence into their final group encounter, sweeping UAE 45-37, 45-34.
India stay perfect, seal top spot in Group H
The day began with Tanvi Sharma, the USA Open finalist, setting the tone with a clinical 9-5 victory over India’s reigning junior national champion Prakriti Bharath. The result gave the hosts a solid start before the mixed doubles pair C Lalramsanga and Vishakha Toppo extended the lead with an 18-10 scoreline against Adithya Kiran and Sakshi Kurbkhelgi.
UAE did offer resistance in the boys’ matches. Bharath Lateesh impressed by scoring nine points against Hmar Lalthazuala in singles and later teaming up with Riyan Malhan in doubles to notch 10 points against Bhagav Ram Arigela and Viswa Tej Gobburu. However, India’s depth and composure ensured there was no real threat to their lead.
For the second set, Unnati Hooda replaced Tanvi, while Suryansh Rawat stepped in for Hmar. Both made instant impact Unnati defeating Prakriti 9-6 as India continued their domination, closing out the match in straight sets to confirm a quarterfinal berth.
Elsewhere: Japan stun top seeds Thailand, USA edge France
The biggest shock of the day came from Group A, where Japan toppled top seeds Thailand 2-0 (45-42, 45-34). Japan’s Yuzuno Watanabe delivered a standout performance, defeating Anyapat Phichitpreechasak 9-5 to set the tone in the first set before returning to overpower Yataweemin Ketklieng 9-2 in the second. Riding on Watanabe’s momentum, Japan clinched the group’s top spot and a place in the quarterfinals.
In Group B, the United States scripted one of their most memorable team results in recent years, defeating 5/8 seeds France 2-0 (45-43, 45-43) in two closely fought sets. The Americans showed grit under pressure, particularly through boys’ singles player Garret Tan, who edged Mady Sow 9-8 in the first set and held his nerve late in the second to secure a narrow but vital win.
The victory not only sealed USA’s progression to the last eight but also set up a high-voltage quarterfinal clash against Japan.
China, Indonesia, Denmark and Korea also progress
Elsewhere in the competition, China and Indonesia underlined their strength by topping their respective groups with dominant performances. China overcame Turkey 2-0 (45-28, 45-24) in Group D, while Indonesia were pushed to three sets by Hong Kong before prevailing 2-1 (44-45, 45-37, 45-23) in Group F.
In Group E, European powerhouse Denmark continued their steady form, beating Singapore 2-0 (45-33, 45-42). Korea and Hungary also registered clean 2-0 wins over Romania and Bhutan, respectively, in Group G, leaving the fight for the final two quarterfinal slots open until the end of the evening session.
With the group stage completed, the top teams from each group Japan, USA, China, Indonesia, Denmark, Korea, Hungary, and India will now contest the quarterfinals for the prestigious Suhandinata Cup. India will face the winner of Group G in their last-eight tie.
The Indian team, buoyed by their strong group-stage performances and balanced lineup, will look to maintain momentum as they chase a return to the podium in the World Junior Mixed Team Championships. With players like Unnati Hooda, Tanvi Sharma, and Lallianzuala Chhangte displaying maturity beyond their years, India appear well-equipped for the knockout challenges ahead.
Results (Until Session 2):
Group A: Japan bt Thailand 2-0 (45-42, 45-34); Ireland bt Portugal 2-1 (45-40, 43-45, 45-37)
Group B: USA bt France 2-0 (45-43, 45-43); Vietnam bt Egypt 2-0 (45-21, 45-18)
Group D: China bt Turkey 2-0 (45-28, 45-24); England bt Uganda 2-0 (45-26, 45-16)
Group E: Denmark bt Singapore 2-0 (45-33, 45-42); Brazil bt Netherlands 2-0 (45-38, 45-35)
Group F: Indonesia bt Hong Kong 2-1 (44-45, 45-37, 45-23); Philippines bt Slovenia 2-0 (45-27, 45-28)
Group G: Hungary bt Bhutan 2-0 (45-17, 45-10); Korea bt Romania 2-0 (45-22, 45-25)
Group H: Sri Lanka bt Nepal 2-0 (45-21, 45-28); India bt UAE 2-0 (45-37, 45-34)
