Guwahati: Team India sealed their spot in the quarterfinals of the Yonex-Sunrise BWF World Junior Mixed Team Championships 2025 with another commanding victory, defeating the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in straight sets at the National Centre of Excellence on Wednesday.
The second-seeded Indian squad continued their unbeaten run in Group H, defeating the UAE 45-37, 45-34 to confidently advance to the last eight of the Suhandinata Cup.
India Maintains Unbeaten Streak
Having already dispatched Nepal and Sri Lanka in earlier group-stage encounters, India entered the final group match brimming with confidence. That momentum carried over against the UAE, a side featuring several players familiar with India’s domestic badminton circuit.
Tanvi Sharma, the USA Open finalist, gave India a strong start by defeating reigning Indian junior national champion Prakriti Bharath 9–5. The mixed doubles pair C. Lalramsanga and Vishakha Toppo then extended the lead with a 9–5 win over Adithya Kiran and Sakshi Kurbkhelgi, putting India firmly in control at 18–10.
The UAE managed to show flashes of resistance through Bharath Lateesh, who scored 9 points in boys’ singles against Hmar Lalthazuala and later teamed up with Riyan Malhan to secure 10 points in the doubles tie. But their efforts weren’t enough to dent India’s dominance.
Unnati Hooda Leads Second Set Surge
For the second set, Unnati Hooda replaced Tanvi Sharma, and Suryansh Rawat stepped in for Hmar. Unnati continued India’s winning rhythm by beating Prakriti 9–6 in the opening singles, and from there, the Indian contingent never looked back — sealing the set 45–34 and the match in style.
India’s strong bench strength and composure under pressure have been key highlights throughout the tournament — traits that will prove vital as they gear up for the knockout rounds.
Japan Shocks Top Seeds Thailand
In one of the day’s biggest upsets, Japan defeated top-seeded Thailand 45–42, 45–34 to top Group A. Star shuttler Yuzuno Watanabe set the tone with a 9–5 win over Anyapat Phichitpreechasak, helping Japan ride the early momentum to a commanding two-set victory.
Watanabe extended Japan’s lead in the second set, thrashing Yataweemin Ketklieng 9–2 to secure the group’s top spot. Japan’s consistency and tactical execution have made them one of the standout teams in this year’s championship.
USA Stuns France in Thriller
Meanwhile, on another court, Team USA pulled off a major upset, edging past France 45–43, 45–43 to top Group B. Boys’ singles player Garret Tan held his nerve in a tense finish, defeating Mady Sow 9–8 in the first set and repeating the feat under pressure in the second.
The USA’s remarkable composure in the closing stages saw them secure their place in the quarterfinals — a result that surprised many observers and added new intrigue to the knockout bracket.
Road Ahead
With the group stages concluded, the top teams from all eight groups will now battle it out in the quarterfinals for the prestigious Suhandinata Cup, while the remaining teams will play in the classification rounds.
India will await the outcome of Group G to determine their quarterfinal opponent, while Japan is set to face the resurgent USA in what promises to be a thrilling encounter.
India’s campaign so far has been a blend of discipline, teamwork, and youthful confidence — qualities that could carry them deep into the tournament as they chase their maiden World Junior Mixed Team title.
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