As the dust settles on the Round of 16 at the Bank of Ningbo Badminton Asia Championships BAC 2025, India finds itself with just one pair carrying the nation’s hopes forward — the dynamic mixed doubles duo of Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto.
While several high-profile names bowed out on Thursday, Dhruv and Tanisha produced a stunning comeback to book their spot in the quarterfinals, giving Indian fans something to cheer about amidst a mixed day of results.
Dhruv and Tanisha: The Lone Warriors Standing
Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto once again proved why they’re being touted as India’s most promising mixed doubles pair. Up against the formidable World No. 27 Taiwanese duo Ye Hong Wei and Nicole Gonzales Chan, Dhruv and Tanisha showed grit, adaptability, and nerves of steel to turn the match around after losing the first game.
The match began on a shaky note for the Indian pair, with Ye and Chan dictating the tempo and cruising through the opening game 21-12. But Dhruv and Tanisha, who had already shown resilience in their R32 win over Malaysia’s Su Yin Cheng/Pang Ron Hoo, regrouped quickly.
Using sharp net play and superior rotation, they took control in the second game, leveling the match with a confident 21-16 win. The decider was a thriller — both pairs locked in a tactical battle, trading blows in long rallies.
But it was the Indians who held their nerve at the business end, clinching the third game 21-18 to secure a memorable three-game victory.
Scoreline: 12-21, 21-16, 21-18
Next up: A tough QF clash against Hong Kong’s elite duo Tang Chun Man and Tse Ying Suet — a seasoned pair known for their fast-paced, aggressive game. It’s going to be a stern test, but Dhruv and Tanisha will carry momentum and belief into the match.
Sindhu’s Struggles Continue Against Familiar Foe
In what was arguably the most anticipated Indian match of the day, P.V. Sindhu faced her longtime rival Akane Yamaguchi. The clash delivered on intensity, but unfortunately not in favor of Sindhu, who crashed out with a 12-21, 21-16, 16-21 defeat.
Sindhu’s movement looked sharp in patches, and she did well to force a deciding game by upping the pace in the second. However, as has been the trend in recent months, inconsistency crept in during crunch moments.
Yamaguchi exploited Sindhu’s defensive lapses and closed the match strongly, handing Sindhu yet another early exit in 2025.
This loss extends a disappointing streak for the two-time Olympic medallist, who is still searching for rhythm and confidence in her comeback year.
Mixed Doubles Heartbreak for Ashith-Amrutha
India’s second mixed doubles pairing of Ashith Surya and Amrutha Pramuthesh had impressed in their opening round, but the R16 proved a bridge too far. Facing World No. 1 pair Jiang Zhen Bang and Wei Ya Xin of China, the Indian youngsters were overpowered 11-21, 14-21 in straight games.
Despite the loss, the duo can take valuable experience from this tournament — facing top-tier competition will only aid their growth.
Men’s Singles: Kiran and Priyanshu Exit
The men’s singles campaign ended with both Kiran George and Priyanshu Rajawat falling in the R16, despite showing sparks of brilliance.
Kiran, up against Thailand’s Kunlavut Vitidsarn, started well by winning the first game 21-19. But the World Championship silver medallist shifted gears in the second and third games, running away with the match 13-21, 16-21.
Kiran will rue missed opportunities, but his aggressive style gave Kunlavut some early trouble — a positive sign for future matches.
Meanwhile, Priyanshu Rajawat, who had stunned Kantaphon Wangcharoen in R32, ran into a rock-solid Kodai Naraoka.
The Japanese star was simply too steady and efficient, closing out the match 21-14, 21-17 in straight games. It was a tactical masterclass from Naraoka, and Rajawat, though outplayed, gains valuable exposure from the experience.
What’s Next for India?
With the singles campaign now officially over and both doubles and women’s pairs eliminated, all eyes turn to Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto, who remain India’s last hope at #BAC2025.
Their quarterfinal clash against Hong Kong’s Tang/Tse will be a test of not just skill but mental toughness, especially against a pair that thrives on court chemistry and deceptive play.
A win here would mark India’s first semifinal appearance in mixed doubles at the Badminton Asia Championships in over a decade — and it could be a defining moment in Dhruv and Tanisha’s rise on the world stage.
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By IndiaSportsHub | #BAC2025 #BadmintonAsiaChampionships
