Did India Fall Short Against Indonesia in BWF World Jr C’ships Semifinals?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- India secures bronze medal in BWF World Junior Mixed Team Championships.
- Defeated by Indonesia, the defending champions.
- Strong performance from Bhargav Ram Arigela and Viswa Tej Gobburu.
- Unnati Hooda fought valiantly but faced tough competition.
- Players now focus on upcoming individual championships.
Guwahati, Oct 10 (NationPress) India’s journey in the BWF World Junior Mixed Team Championships concluded with a bronze medal after a valiant effort fell short against the defending champions, Indonesia, in the semifinals on Friday.
The Indian team, having achieved a remarkable milestone by securing their first medal in this mixed-team event on Thursday against former champions Korea, faced Indonesia, the pre-tournament favorites, and lost with scores of 35-45 and 21-45. Indonesia will now clash with the winner of the other semifinal between 14-time champions China and Japan.
India made a single adjustment to the lineup that triumphed over Korea, bringing in Vishakha Toppo for Aanya Bisht in the mixed doubles, starting the tie with the boys' doubles.
The premier Indian doubles duo, Bhargav Ram Arigela and Viswa Tej Gobburu, provided a strong start by defeating Indonesia’s Muhmmad Rizki Mubarrok and Raihan Daffa Pramono 9-5, igniting hopes for an upset.
Although Unnati Hooda struggled initially in the girls' singles against Thalita Wiryawan, she managed to keep India slightly ahead at 18-16. It was Mohd Ubaidillah, the world junior no. 1 in boys singles, who shifted momentum by defeating Rounak Chouhan 11-5, giving Indonesia a four-point lead.
The mixed doubles pairing of Lalramsanga and Vishakha Toppo created a flicker of hope by equalizing at 28-28 and even leading 9-3. However, the Indonesian duo of Ikhsan Pramudya and Rinjani Nastine regained control after the break, finishing the match 10-9.
With momentum on their side, Indonesia dominated the second set right from the start, with Mubarrok and Pramono overcoming the Indian boys' pair 9-2.
Despite Unnati Hooda losing 7-9 to Wiryawan and Rounak falling 7-9 to Ubaidillah, the gap proved insurmountable for the remaining doubles teams.
The Indian players are now gearing up for the individual championships commencing on Monday.