Indian badminton witnessed one of its most exciting breakthrough stories this season as the newly formed men’s doubles pair of Krishna Prasad Garaga and Pruthvi Krishnamurthy Roy stormed into the final of the Vietnam International Challenge 2026.
In what is their very first tournament together, the scratch pairing has delivered a series of statement performances, culminating in a dramatic semifinal victory over South Korea’s Cho Song Hyun and Kim Jae Hyeon.
The semifinal clash was nothing short of a classic. After dropping the opening game 11-21, the Indian duo showed remarkable composure and resilience to fight back, taking the next two games 23-21 and 25-23 in a high-intensity encounter that tested both skill and nerve. It was a match defined by momentum swings, clutch play, and the ability to handle pressure at crucial moments.
A Semi-final to Remember
Garaga and Pruthvi were initially on the back foot, struggling to match the pace and precision of the Korean pair in the first game. Cho and Kim dominated the rallies, forcing errors and capitalising on loose returns to take the opener comfortably.
However, the second game saw a shift in approach from the Indians. They tightened their defence, improved their shot selection, and began to control the tempo at the net. The game went down to the wire, with both pairs trading points in a tense finish. At 21-all, Garaga and Pruthvi held their nerve, winning two consecutive points to level the match.
The decider was even more dramatic. Neither pair was willing to concede ground, with extended rallies and sharp exchanges keeping the contest finely balanced. The Indians showed exceptional composure under pressure, saving match points and converting their opportunities at 24-23 to seal a memorable win.
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What makes this run even more impressive is the quality of opponents the Indian pair has overcome. Their campaign truly began to gather attention in the Round of 16, where they stunned the top-seeded pair of Choi Sol Gyu (South Korea) and Goh V Shem (Malaysia), ranked World No. 39.
In that match, Garaga and Pruthvi delivered a controlled performance, winning 21-15, 21-19. They displayed tactical discipline, targeting weaknesses and maintaining consistency throughout the rallies. The win marked one of the biggest upsets of the tournament and immediately established them as serious contenders.
The Indian duo carried that confidence into the quarterfinals, where they faced Thailand’s Narut Saengkham and Apichasit Teerawiwat. This time, they were in complete control, securing a straight-games victory 21-16, 21-14.
Their ability to switch gears from grinding out tough wins to dominating matches has been a key feature of their run. Despite being a newly formed pair, Garaga and Pruthvi have shown excellent on-court understanding, complementing each other’s strengths effectively.
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For Krishna Prasad Garaga, this tournament carries added significance. The shuttler is making a return to competitive badminton after serving a doping suspension and receiving clearance to compete again. His performances this week signal not just a comeback, but a strong statement of intent.
Garaga’s experience, combined with Pruthvi’s energy and adaptability, has created a balanced partnership. Their communication on court and ability to handle pressure situations suggest a pairing that could have long-term potential if sustained. The Indian pair will now face Chinese Taipei’s Huang Tsung-I and Lin Ting-Yu in the final. The Taiwanese duo are known for their structured play and consistency, presenting a different tactical challenge.
For Garaga and Pruthvi, the focus will be on maintaining the aggressive yet controlled style that has brought them success so far. Their ability to handle big points, as seen in the semifinal, will be crucial once again. India’s men’s doubles circuit has been searching for fresh combinations capable of making an impact on the international stage. This run by Garaga and Pruthvi offers a glimpse of new possibilities.
What stands out is not just the results, but the manner in which they have achieved them. Beating a top-seeded pair, handling pressure in tight matches, and maintaining consistency across rounds are all indicators of a partnership with promise.
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Krishna Prasad Garaga and Pruthvi Krishnamurthy Roy’s journey to the final of the Vietnam International Challenge 2026 has been one of the standout stories of the tournament. From upsetting top seeds to surviving a semifinal thriller, they have shown resilience, tactical clarity, and composure beyond expectations for a new pairing.
As they prepare for the final, the opportunity to cap this remarkable run with a title awaits. Regardless of the outcome, their performance this week has already marked the arrival of a promising doubles combination for Indian badminton one that could play a significant role in the years ahead.
