India’s young shuttlers made a perfect start to their individual campaigns at the YONEX-SUNRISE BWF World Junior Championships 2025, winning all six of their opening-round matches at the National Centre of Excellence on Monday.
Riding on the momentum of their historic bronze medal finish in the team event, the hosts displayed clinical efficiency across categories to close Day 1 with a 6/6 win record. It was a day that underlined both India’s depth in junior badminton and the hunger of its next generation to make a mark on the global stage. From confident straight-game wins to hard-fought comebacks, the Indian contingent ensured a spotless start to the tournament. The first Indian on court, Lalthazuala Hmar, set the tone for the day with a commanding performance against Uganda’s Denis Mukasa in boys’ singles.
Showing no signs of nerves, the shuttler from Mizoram needed just 14 minutes to complete a 15–4, 15–4 rout. His crisp smashes and quick footwork left Mukasa struggling to keep rallies alive, as Hmar stormed into the Round of 64.
In the girls’ singles, Vennala K, the reigning Asian Junior Championships bronze medallist looked in complete control as she dismantled Ireland’s Siofra Flynn 15–1, 15–6. The 17-year-old’s ability to dictate tempo and finish rallies early proved too much for her opponent, who could only manage seven points in total across both games. Vennala’s form bodes well for India’s medal hopes in the category, where she is expected to face stiffer challenges later in the week.
Dattu’s Nervy Start Ends in Confident Win
The only Indian player to be tested on opening day was Gnana Dattu TT, who overcame a shaky start to defeat Hungary’s Milan Mesterhazy 5–15, 15–7, 15–7. Playing his first-ever World Junior Championships match, Dattu looked unsettled in the opening game, committing a series of unforced errors and appearing uncomfortable against Mesterhazy’s flat, attacking style.
However, the 17-year-old from Hyderabad regrouped brilliantly, adjusting to the European’s pace and angles in the second game. Once he found rhythm, Dattu dictated play with deft net touches and deep clears, forcing errors from his opponent. “This is my first World Juniors and I was clearly nervous in the first game,” Dattu admitted afterward. “But once I went to the better side in the second game, I was confident I could win this match.”
His composed turnaround reflected strong mental fortitude a trait that will serve him well when he faces Joaquim Mendonca of Brazil in the next round.
Mixed Doubles: India’s Pairs Cruise Through
If the singles matches showcased individual skill, India’s mixed doubles pairs demonstrated teamwork and tactical precision. All three Indian combinations in action on Day 1 advanced comfortably to the Round of 64.
Vansh Dev and Dianka Waldia were the first to register victory, overcoming England’s Anish Nair and Mia Fox 15–6, 15–11. Their court coverage and effective mid-rally rotation neutralised the English pair’s aggression, ensuring India’s strong start in the doubles bracket. Soon after, Vishnu Kedhar Kode and Keerthy Manchala extended India’s unbeaten streak by defeating Ghana’s Obapomba Adu-Mintah and Moslena Ama Korama 15–7, 15–8. The pair’s understanding and crisp shot placement earned them an easy passage into the next round.
The day’s final Indian match saw C Lalramsanga and Taarini Suri shake off early nerves to beat Ireland’s Senan O’Rourke and Michelle Shochan 15–13, 15–9. After a tight opening game, the Indian duo found their rhythm, controlling the rallies with precise net play and sharp interceptions.
Beyond India’s flawless start, several early upsets and hard-fought matches added intrigue to the opening day in Guwahati.
China’s Liu Si Ya, the Asian Junior Championships silver medallist, survived a scare before edging Japan’s Yurika Nagafuchi 15–10, 15–13. Brazil’s Bruno Alonso produced one of the standout performances of the day despite his 15–9, 15–7 loss to China’s Xiao Gao Bo, earning applause for his aggressive approach. Among others, Sri Lanka’s Thidasa Weragoda came from behind to defeat Malaysia’s Boon Le Lim 4–15, 15–8, 17–15, showcasing the unpredictable competitiveness of this year’s field.
India’s top-seeded shuttlers, including Tanvi Sharma (1), Unnati Hooda (8), and Rakshitha Sree, received opening-round byes and will begin their campaigns on Tuesday. All three are expected to headline India’s medal charge, with the focus now on maintaining momentum through the middle rounds. The all-win record on opening day reflects the growing consistency of India’s junior badminton program. After the team’s historic bronze finish earlier in the week their best-ever at the event the players have transitioned seamlessly into the individual phase, balancing confidence with composure.
With each victory, the Indian contingent is proving that its recent rise on the junior circuit is no coincidence but the result of structured training, depth in talent, and a fearless mindset.
India Results (Day 1)
Boys’ Singles:
- Lalthazuala Hmar bt Denis Mukasa (UGA) 15–4, 15–4
- Gnana Dattu TT bt Milan Mesterhazy (HUN) 5–15, 15–7, 15–7
Girls’ Singles:
- Vennala K bt Siofra Flynn (IRL) 15–1, 15–6
Mixed Doubles:
- Vishnu Kedhar Kode/Keerthy Manchala bt Obapomba Adu-Mintah/Moslena Ama Korama (GHA) 15–7, 15–8
- C Lalramsanga/Taarini Suri bt Senan O’Rourke/Michelle Shochan (IRL) 15–13, 15–9
- Vansh Dev/Dianka Waldia bt Anish Nair/Mia Fox (ENG) 15–6, 15–11
India’s junior campaign couldn’t have begun on a stronger note six matches, six wins, and growing belief that this new generation of shuttlers is ready to carry the nation’s rich badminton legacy forward.
