On Saturday, the Indian women’s badminton team achieved a historic milestone by advancing to the final of the Badminton Asia Championships for the very first time. They secured their spot by triumphing over Japan with a close score of 3-2 in a thrilling semifinal match.
This victory not only guarantees India a place on the podium but also sets up an exciting final showdown against Thailand. The renowned badminton player, PV Sindhu, led the charge for India but faced tough competition from Japan’s Aya Ohori. Despite Sindhu’s valiant efforts, Ohori emerged victorious in two consecutive sets with scores of 21-17 and 22-20, earning Japan their first point.
With India trailing 0-1, the pressure was on Treesa-Gayathri to help stage a comeback. They faced off against Japan’s Matsuyama-Shida duo and after a fierce battle, managed to clinch victory in three intense sets with a final score of 21-17, 16-21, 22-20, leveling the score at 1-1.
India continued to build momentum as Ashmita Chaliha delivered an impressive performance, securing a surprising win against former world champion Nozomi Okuhara with scores of 21-17, 21-14, giving India a 2-1 lead.
However, Japan refused to concede defeat easily. Miyaura-Sakuramoto put up a strong fight against India’s Sindhu-Ponappa pair, dominating with scores of 21-14, 21-11, to even the score at 2-2 and push the match into a decisive final game.
In a high-stakes showdown, Anmol Kharb rose to the occasion, tasked with securing India’s victory and a spot in the final. With determination and skill, she defeated Japan’s Nidaira Natsuki in straight sets with scores of 21-14, 21-18, clinching the final game and propelling India into the much-anticipated final match.
