India Bow Out After a Brave Fight: Narrow Six-Point Loss to Japan Ends Medal Hopes at Badminton Asian Junior Mixed Team Championships
India’s campaign at the Badminton Asia Junior Mixed Team Championships came to a close after a gripping quarterfinal contest against former champions Japan. The young Indian side, seeded second, went down narrowly by 110–104 in a tie that swung dramatically until the last matches.
A Tie Defined by Momentum Shifts
In the unique relay scoring format, India made a strong start despite dropping the opening boys’ singles narrowly. The boys’ doubles pair of Bhargav Ram Arigela and Viswa Tej Gobburu steadied the ship, followed by an assured performance from the girls’ doubles duo Vennala Kalagotla and Reshika Uthayasooriyan, giving India a slender early advantage of 33–26.
India kept the lead as Reshika combined with Bhavya Chhabra for the mixed doubles, pushing the score to 44–35, before Rounak Chouhan added further cushion with his boys’ singles outing. For much of the tie, India led confidently, showing resilience and composure.
However, Japan, who won the championship in 2023, clawed back late in the tie. In the last five matches, the Japanese players produced decisive performances, edging past the Indian challenge. While the doubles combinations fought hard and Rounak displayed his trademark grit, Japan’s consistency under pressure ultimately sealed the contest 110–104.
Strong Group Stage Shows Depth and Promise
Despite the quarterfinal exit, India’s campaign had many highlights, underlining the talent depth in this new generation. Placed in Group D, India topped the pool with an all-win record:
- Beat Hong Kong China 110–100
- Beat United Arab Emirates 110–83
- Beat Sri Lanka 110–69
Against Hong Kong China, Rujula Ramu opened proceedings with an 11–8 win, while Bhargav and Viswa Tej extended the lead in doubles. Even as Hong Kong’s Lam Ka To briefly closed the gap, India regained control through junior world no. 1 Tanvi Sharma, who dominated the second girls’ singles. The team’s balanced depth across singles and doubles was evident throughout.
Earlier matches also saw C Lalramsanga making an impact in men’s doubles alongside Bhavya Chhabra and in mixed doubles with Taarini Suri. In singles, Rounak Chouhan’s victory over world junior no. 5 Lam Ka To stood out, while Rujula impressed with two wins against top-20 opponents.
Individual Events Next
With the team event concluded, attention now turns to the individual championships starting July 23. Key players like Tanvi Sharma, Rounak Chouhan, Bhargav Ram Arigela, and Viswa Tej Gobburu will aim to build on their form and challenge for individual honours.
India may have missed out on a medal in the mixed team event, but the close quarterfinal and consistent group stage wins underline the promise and fighting spirit of this young squad a hopeful sign for the future of Indian badminton on the junior stage.
