Guwahati, Oct 13 (NationPress) Indian shuttlers commenced their individual journeys at the BWF World Junior Championships with an impressive all-win performance at the National Centre of Excellence on Monday, facing no significant pressure in their matches.

After contributing to the team’s historic bronze medal achievement in the team championships, the seeded Indian athletes received a bye in the initial round, while others aimed to kick off their campaigns ahead of tougher challenges.

Lalthazuala Hmar was the first Indian player to take the court, easily defeating Uganda’s Denis Mukasa in just 14 minutes with scores of 15-4, 15-4. Following this, Gnana Dattu TT faced some initial nerves but eventually triumphed over Hungary’s Milan Mesterhazy, winning 5-15, 15-7, 15-7 in boys’ singles. Asian junior championships bronze medallist Vennala K dominated Ireland’s Siofra Flynn with a score of 15-1, 15-6 in the girls’ singles opening round.

Gnana Dattu, who did not participate in the team event, was the only Indian player to encounter difficulties on this opening day, attributing his struggles to nerves.

The shuttler from Hyderabad made several mistakes in the first game, appearing out of rhythm. However, he regained control in the second game and asserted dominance thereafter.

“This is my first World Juniors, and I felt quite anxious during the first game. It was also my second encounter against a European player, which took some time for me to adjust to their style. Once I found my rhythm in the second game, I was confident of winning,” stated Gnana Dattu, who will face Joaquim Mendonca of Brazil in the next round.

In the mixed doubles events, three of India’s four pairs competed, advancing to the next round without much effort.

Vansh Dev and Dianka Waldia defeated England’s Anish Nair and Mia Fox with scores of 15-6, 15-11, while Vishnu Kedhar Kode and Keerthy Manchala overpowered Ghana’s Obapomba Adu-Mintah and Moslena Ama Korama 15-7, 15-8. C Lalramsanga and Taarini Suri overcame a bumpy start to secure victory against Ireland’s Senan O’Rourke and Michelle Shochan with scores of 15-13, 15-9.

Among the notable players competing on day one, China’s Asian Junior Championship silver medallist Liu Si Ya faced a challenging match but managed to win against Japan’s Yurika Nagafuchi, 15-10, 15-13. Meanwhile, Bruno Alonso from Brazil put up a commendable fight against China’s Xiao Gao Bo, losing 15-9, 15-7.

Sri Lanka’s Thidasa Weragoda staged a remarkable comeback after losing the first game easily, defeating Malaysia’s Boon Le Lim with scores of 4-15, 15-8, 17-15.

All seeded players will begin their campaigns on Tuesday, with keen attention on India’s girls' singles stars, top seed Tanvi Sharma, eighth seed Unnati Hooda, and the seasoned Rakshitha Sree.