India Eliminated from Badminton Asia Mixed Team Championships After 0-3 Loss to Japan’s Second-String Squad
India’s Badminton Team Falls to Japan in Asia Mixed Team Championships
India’s badminton campaign at the Badminton Asia Mixed Team Championships came to a disappointing halt with a 0-3 defeat to Japan’s second-string team in the quarterfinals held in Qingdao, China. This loss marks a stark contrast to their bronze finish in 2023, as they faced early setbacks that ultimately led to their exit.
Mixed Doubles Set the Tone
The Indian duo of Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto, ranked 37th, showcased impressive resilience but ultimately succumbed to Japan’s world number 12 pair, Hiroki Midorikawa and Natsu Saito. After a hard-fought battle, they lost the match with scores of 13-21, 21-17, 13-21, putting India behind early in the contest.
Women’s Singles Challenge
With the absence of star player PV Sindhu due to a hamstring injury, Malvika Bansod stepped up. However, she faced a tough opponent in world number 8 Tomoka Miyazaki. Despite a commendable effort, Bansod fell short, losing 12-21, 19-21, extending India’s deficit to 0-2.
HS Prannoy’s Fight in Men’s Singles
HS Prannoy, ranked 16th in the world, fought valiantly against Japan’s Kenta Nishimoto. Their match lasted over an hour, with Prannoy ultimately losing 21-14, 15-21, 21-12. Despite his tenacity, the lack of support from the earlier matches sealed India’s fate.
Conclusion
The defeat was particularly disappointing for India, especially considering Japan fielded a team without many of their top players. As India reflects on this loss, fans can look forward to future tournaments and more competitive showings. For the latest sports updates and exclusive offers, visit Looffers.com and stay connected!
