Qingdao, China : India’s men’s badminton team locked horns with Japan in a high-voltage Badminton Asia Team Championships encounter, aiming to build momentum in Group C. The tie opened with a statement win from rising star Ayush Shetty, who defeated Japan’s Kenta Nishimoto 21-18, 15-21, 21-11, handing India an early 1-0 lead .
Shetty showed composure under pressure, overturning early deficits and controlling the decider with aggressive attacking play. “It’s about staying calm and trusting my game in tight moments,” he was quoted as saying during the live coverage .
In doubles, India’s ace pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty started strongly against Japan’s Takuro Hoki and Yugo Kobayashi, showcasing their trademark pace and court control . With experienced campaigners like HS Prannoy and Kidambi Srikanth also in action, India looked to capitalize on the early advantage.
The clash forms part of a packed Day 3 schedule at the championships in Qingdao, with both nations eyeing a crucial edge in the group standings.
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