Can Lakshya Rajesh's Stunning Upset Propel India to Victory at Badminton Asia Championships?
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Synopsis
In a thrilling turn of events at the Badminton Asia U-17 & U-15 Championships in Chengdu, five young Indian shuttlers have made it to the semifinals, ensuring their country will bring home medals. With standout performances and unexpected victories, these athletes are poised to make history.
Key Takeaways
- Five Indian players reached the semifinals at the Badminton Asia Championships.
- Lakshya Rajesh achieved a significant upset over the top seed.
- Strong performances were seen across both singles and doubles events.
- The U-15 girls' singles top seed, Shaina Manimuth, advanced without dropping a game.
- This campaign showcases India's growing prominence in badminton.
Chengdu, Oct 25 (NationPress) India’s remarkable journey at the Badminton Asia U-17 & U-15 Championships in Chengdu gained significant traction on Saturday, with five talented young players advancing to the semifinals, securing medals for the nation.
The highlight of the day was Lakshya Rajesh, who achieved one of the tournament's greatest shocks by overcoming the top seed Lalita Sattayathadakoon from Thailand in a gripping three-game match. After dropping the first game 11-21, Lakshya demonstrated extraordinary determination and poise, reversing the game's momentum to win the next two games 21-16, 21-19, thereby earning her spot in the U-17 girls’ singles semifinals.
This victory perfectly capped off a strong day for the Indian team, which excelled across both singles and doubles events. The sixth seed Diksha Sudhakar maintained her impressive form, easily defeating Indonesia’s Raisya Affatunisa with a score of 21-17, 21-8, showcasing her rising prominence in the tournament.
In the boys’ singles category, Jagsher Singh Khangurra kept his winning streak alive, confidently beating Hong Kong China’s Zhan Shing Yui with scores of 21-13, 21-14, securing another medal for India through his strategic shot selection and composure.
India's strong performance was evident in the doubles events as well. The U-17 mixed doubles team of Jangjeet Singh Kajla and Jananika Ramesh advanced to the semifinals after their Chinese opponents were forced to retire mid-match. Their progress ensures India’s representation across multiple categories as the competition heads into its final stages.
Meanwhile, in the U-15 girls’ singles, top seed Shaina Manimuth lived up to expectations with a solid 21-14, 21-16 victory over Japan’s Yubuki Azumaya, advancing to the last four without losing a single game.
With five Indian players reaching the semifinals in both age groups, this marks one of the most successful campaigns for India in recent editions of the continental championship. The young athletes are now poised to build on their success and aim for gold as the championships enter their crucial concluding phase in Chengdu.
Point of View
I must commend the remarkable achievements of our young athletes at the Badminton Asia Championships. Their dedication and skill not only bring pride to our nation but also inspire future generations of shuttlers. The success of these players highlights the growing strength of Indian badminton on the continental stage.
NationPress
26/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Indian players reached the semifinals at the Badminton Asia Championships?
Five Indian players advanced to the semifinals at the Badminton Asia U-17 & U-15 Championships.
Who did Lakshya Rajesh defeat to advance in the tournament?
Lakshya Rajesh defeated the top seed, Lalita Sattayathadakoon from Thailand.
What was the score of Diksha Sudhakar's match?
Diksha Sudhakar won her match against Raisya Affatunisa with scores of 21-17, 21-8.
Which Indian player performed strongly in the boys' singles category?
Jagsher Singh Khangurra performed strongly, winning against Zhan Shing Yui from Hong Kong China.
What is the significance of this tournament for Indian badminton?
This tournament marks one of India's most successful campaigns in recent years, with five players in the semifinals.
