How Did India Start Their Campaign in Badminton Asia Junior C'ships Against Sri Lanka?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- India secured a commanding victory against Sri Lanka with a score of 110-69.
- The mixed doubles pairing of Vishnu Kode and Reshika U played a crucial role in the win.
- India's lead was further extended by strong performances from the Rawat sisters and Tanvi Sharma.
- The team is set to face significant challenges in their upcoming matches against UAE and Hong Kong China.
- The championships serve as a vital preparation for the BWF Junior World Championships.
Solo (Indonesia), July 18 (NationPress) India commenced their journey in the Badminton Asia Junior Mixed Team Championships with a commanding victory, defeating Sri Lanka 110-69 in their Group D match on Friday.
The mixed doubles duo of Vishnu Kode and Reshika U set the tone for India, securing an 11-5 win against Keneth Aruggoda and Isuri Attanayake in the relay point format, where a total of 110 points is needed to clinch the match.
Sisters Gayatri and Mansa Rawat further bolstered India’s position with a lead of 22-14 over Attanayake and Sithumi De Silva, before junior world no. 1 Tanvi Sharma showcased her skills against Sithuli Ranasinghe, extending the lead to 33-21.
Not a single Indian singles player or pair faltered in any of the 11-point relays, as by the halfway mark, India had established a significant 55-31 advantage.
Looking ahead, India is set to challenge the United Arab Emirates in their next group match on Saturday, followed by a crucial encounter against Hong Kong China on Sunday, which may determine the group leader.
The team event runs from July 18 to 22, with individual competitions scheduled from July 23 to 27.
India has previously secured nine medals at the U-19 Asian Junior Championships, with notable players like PV Sindhu and Lakshya Sen winning gold in earlier editions. The current squad aims to uphold this legacy and mount a formidable title challenge in Solo.
The competition format is based on a relay system, where the first team to reach 110 points is declared the winner. It begins with group stages, followed by knockout rounds, with the top two teams from each group advancing.
These championships are also seen as a vital stepping stone toward the BWF Junior World Championships, slated to take place at the state-of-the-art National Centre of Excellence in Guwahati later this year.
India’s 19-Member Squad:
Men's Singles: Ansh Negi, Hmar Lalthazuala, Rounak Chouhan, Pranauv Ram Nagalingam
Women's Singles: Rujula Ramu, Tanvi Sharma, Tanvi Reddy Andluri, Vennala Kalagotla
Men's Doubles: Bhavya Chhabra/Param Choudhary, Bhargav Ram Arigela/Viswa Tej Gobburu
Women's Doubles: Vennala Kalagotla/Reshika Uthayasooriyan, Gayatri Rawat/Mansa Rawat
Mixed Doubles: Vishnu Kedhar Kode/Keerthy Manchala, C Lalramsanga/Taarini Suri