Badminton Asia Championships: Sindhu and Prannoy Shine While Lakshya and Srikanth Exit Early
Synopsis
As the Badminton Asia Championships kick off in Ningbo, P.V. Sindhu and H.S. Prannoy shine with impressive victories, while Lakshya Sen and Kidambi Srikanth face unexpected eliminations. Discover the highs and lows from this thrilling opening day!
Key Takeaways
Sindhu shows resilience with a comeback victory.
Prannoy advances smoothly to the next round.
Lakshya Sen and Kidambi Srikanth face unexpected exits.
Ayush Shetty impresses with a win over a top-seeded player.
Indian women's singles struggle with early defeats.
Ningbo, April 8 (NationPress) In a thrilling start to the Badminton Asia Championships, two-time Olympic medalist P. V. Sindhu and H.S. Prannoy triumphed in their first-round matches, while Lakshya Sen and Kidambi Srikanth faced surprising eliminations on Wednesday.
Sindhu's match against Malaysia’s Wong Ling Ching was a nail-biter. After losing the first game 15-21, she showed remarkable resilience, taking the second game 21-11. The final game was a gripping contest with alternating leads. At 19-19, Sindhu's experience shone through as she secured the last two points, completing the match in one hour and seven minutes. Her next challenge comes against Wang Zhi Yi of China in the second round.
In a stark contrast, Lakshya’s journey ended abruptly with a loss to Lee Cheuk Yiu from Hong Kong. Entering the tournament with hopes high from his recent All England Championships performance, he succumbed in straight games, 12-21, 19-21, after 41 minutes of play. Despite a stronger second game, Lakshya struggled to find his rhythm, and Lee’s ability to clinch critical points proved decisive.
On a positive note, Prannoy advanced with a straight-games victory over Nguyen Hai Dang, finishing 24-22, 21-12. He navigated a challenging opening game, saving multiple game points before dominating the second. He will face Weng Hong Yang of China next.
Meanwhile, Srikanth faced a tough challenge against former world champion Loh Kean Yew from Singapore, ultimately losing in three games. He initially secured the first game 21-18, but Loh's resurgence in the second game, where he won 21-9, shifted the momentum. The final game saw Loh maintain control, finishing 21-11.
Among the rising stars, Ayush Shetty delivered a standout performance by defeating World No. 7 Li Shi Feng of China in straight games, advancing to the pre-quarterfinals where he will face World No. 20 Chi Yu Jen from Taipei.
In women's singles, however, India faced setbacks as both Malvika Bansod and Tanvi Sharma were eliminated following straight-game defeats in their respective matches.
Point of View
It’s crucial to highlight the contrasting fortunes of Indian badminton players at the Badminton Asia Championships. Sindhu and Prannoy showcased their prowess, while the unexpected exits of Lakshya and Srikanth serve as a reminder of the unpredictability of sports. This tournament not only tests skills but also resilience and mental strength.
NationPress
20 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the notable winners in the first round of the Badminton Asia Championships?
P.V. Sindhu and H.S. Prannoy both secured victories in their first-round matches.
What were the scores in Lakshya Sen's match?
Lakshya Sen lost to Lee Cheuk Yiu with scores of 12-21, 19-21.
Who will P.V. Sindhu face in the next round?
Sindhu will compete against Wang Zhi Yi of China in the second round.
What was Ayush Shetty's achievement in the tournament?
Ayush Shetty stunned World No. 7 Li Shi Feng, advancing to the pre-quarterfinals.
How did the Indian women's players perform?
Malvika Bansod and Tanvi Sharma both faced defeats in their matches.
