Solo
India’s junior badminton team gave a strong fight but lost to Japan 110-104 in the quarterfinals of the Badminton Asia Junior Mixed Team Championships on Sunday. The match used a special relay scoring system and remained close until the end.
India started well after losing the first match 11-9. Bhargav Ram Arigela and Viswa Tej Gobburu won the boys’ doubles, followed by a solid win from Vennala Kalagotla and Reshika Uthayasooriyan in the girls’ doubles. This helped India lead 33-26.
Reshika then teamed up with Bhavya Chhabra to stretch the lead, and Rounak Chouhan added more points. India stayed ahead for most of the match, but Japan—last year’s champions—won the final five games. Many matches were very close, showing the team’s spirit.
India had earlier topped Group D by beating Hong Kong China, UAE, and Sri Lanka. Doubles players like Bhargav, Viswa Tej, Reshika, and Vennala stood out.
Rounak also beat world junior No. 5 Lam Ka To. The individual event begins July 23.