Unseeded Spruha Joshi of Mumbai Suburban produced a stunning comeback to defeat top seed Yuvika Bajaj in the Girls U-19 semi-final of the Bombay Gymkhana Maharashtra Open State Badminton Tournament 2026 on 15 November 2026, setting up a blockbuster final. Meanwhile, Harshit Mahimkar of Greater Mumbai kept himself firmly in contention for a historic double, reaching both the Men's Singles and Boys U-19 Singles finals on the same day.

Spruha's Remarkable Comeback

Joshi's match against top seed Bajaj was a tale of two halves. After dropping the opening game 9-15, the unseeded youngster dug deep, saving crucial points in an extended second game to edge it 20-18. She then dominated the decider comprehensively, winning 15-9 to complete a memorable three-game victory.

In the final, Joshi will face Anvisha Ghorpade of Greater Mumbai, who eliminated Pune's Sharvari Warwantkar 15-11, 15-10 in the other semi-final to book her place in the title match.

Mahimkar's Double Mission

Top seed Harshit Mahimkar lived up to his billing in the Boys U-19 category, defeating Ishan Wankhede [4] 15-13, 15-10 to advance to the final. He then produced an even bigger performance in Men's Singles, overcoming a first-game deficit to beat top seed Vinay Patil 11-15, 16-14, 15-3 — saving the match in a tense second game before pulling away decisively in the third.

Mahimkar will face Ruturaj Chipat [6] in the Boys U-19 final. Chipat had earlier upset third seed Om Warbhe 15-13, 15-8. In Men's Singles, Mahimkar is set to meet Ved Bhoir [4], who beat second seed Nishnat Galande 15-3, 15-11.

Key Semi-Final Results Across Categories

In Girls U-17 Singles, Imaan Motorwala [3] overcame Swarali Thorve [6] in three games 15-8, 13-15, 15-6, while Anvisha Ghorpade continued her strong run, beating Rudra Gawde [5] 15-4, 15-12. In Boys U-17, Akshat Raisurana defeated Anmol Sharma [6] 15-7, 15-11, and Dhruv Pawar edged past Aarussh Saple [5] in three games 9-15, 15-11, 15-12.

In Boys U-17 Doubles, top seeds Aditya Padwal and Aryan Nair (Thane) survived a scare against Chandranshu Gundle and Mayank Rajput, winning the closest match of the day 15-13, 8-15, 17-15. In Women's Singles, Shreya Rathod beat Pranali Wadar 15-12, 13-15, 15-13, while Vanshika Tulsani upset second seed Harshita Patil 11-15, 15-12, 15-6.

Finals Day Lineup

With multiple categories heading into their deciding matches, the tournament's finale promises high drama. Mahimkar's bid for a double title — a rare feat at any state-level tournament — will be the headline storyline, while Joshi's unlikely run from unseeded status to the Girls U-19 final adds another compelling subplot. Finals are expected to be held at the Bombay Gymkhana in Mumbai.