Top seeds Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand opened their Syed Modi International 2025 campaign with a gritty three-game win, setting the tone for a promising opening day for Indian shuttlers at the Babu Banarasi Das Indoor Stadium.
The country’s leading women’s doubles pair had to dig deep against Malaysia’s Cheng Su Hui and Tan Zhing Yi, eventually prevailing 19–21, 22–20, 21–9 in a contest that tested their patience, defensive stability and late-game temperament.
The opening game exposed a slow start from the Indian duo, who struggled to find rhythm in the mid-court exchanges. Cheng and Tan capitalised with tight net play and early interceptions to edge ahead. But Treesa and Gayatri, playing their first-ever match against the Malaysian pair, grew steadily into the contest. The second game swung dramatically, with the Indians saving crucial points before forcing a decider through sharper pressing at the net and smarter rotation in defence. Once they found momentum, the top seeds were unstoppable storming through the third game with dominant pace and control to seal a place in the pre-quarterfinals.
Junior Star
s Step Up in Qualifiers
Earlier in the day, players from India’s historic World Junior Championships medal-winning squad translated their age-group success to the senior circuit with composed, confident performances in the qualifying rounds.
In mixed doubles, the young pairing of C Lalramsanga and Taarini Suri registered one of the standout wins of the morning session, defeating the Israel–Hungary duo Misha Zilberman and Agnes Korosi 21–13, 21–15. The Indian pair showcased impressive clarity in their attack, maintaining steady pressure with early takes and quick transitions.
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They were soon joined in the next round by Bhavya Chhabra and Vishakha Toppo, who produced a mature display to beat compatriots Devvert Mann and Nishu Malik 21–19, 21–15. In a match featuring long rallies and tactical discipline, Bhavya and Vishakha held their nerve during key phases, using patience and control to close out both games.
Men’s Doubles: Seeds Progress Comfortably
India’s strong outing extended into the men’s doubles bracket. Second seeds Sai Pratheek K and P Krishnamurthy Roy made light work of Swarnraj Bora and Nibir Ranjan, securing a 21–8, 21–17 win. Their sharp front-court pressure and compact defence allowed them to dictate tempo throughout.
Fifth seeds Hariharan Amsakarunan and MR Arjun, fresh from a remarkable run of three consecutive titles in Al Ain, Turkey and Telangana, carried their momentum into Lucknow. They delivered one of the most commanding performances of the day, overpowering Ayush Makhija and Sujey Tamboli 21–11, 21–13 to advance to the round-of-16. Their confidence, chemistry and precision continued to stand out as they eye a deep run this week.
Women’s Doubles: Early Wins for Rising Pairs
India also enjoyed success in the women’s doubles qualifiers, with Priya Konjengbam and Shuti Mishra securing a dominant 21–8, 21–11 win over Reena Evangelin and Samriddhi Singh. Priya and Shuti controlled proceedings from the outset, using sharp placement and consistent retrieving to keep their opponents under pressure.
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With the top seeds surviving a tough opener and India’s junior talents delivering assured performances, Day 1 of the Syed Modi International 2025 offered promising signs for the hosts. Treesa and Gayatri’s comeback win not only showcased their maturity but also reinforced their status as title favourites. Meanwhile, the emerging crop of Indian shuttlers gained valuable confidence and momentum as the tournament enters its main rounds.
As the action intensifies in Lucknow, Indian players across categories will look to build on a productive start and push for deep runs in one of the country’s marquee international events.
