Friday, the day was etched in golden letters in the history of Indian badminton. Host India defeated South Korea in a thrilling quarter-final match of the BWF World Junior Mixed Team Championship 2025, entering the semi-finals for the first time ever.
Sports News: India capitalized on its home advantage and the enthusiastic support of its fans, defeating Korea at the National Center of Excellence to secure a medal in the BWF World Junior Mixed Team Championship. In a thrilling quarter-final match between India and Korea, lasting nearly three hours, India clinched victory with scores of 44-45, 45-30, 45-33, thereby advancing to the semi-finals.
Now, in the semi-finals, India will face the Asian U-19 Mixed Team Champions, Indonesia, who defeated Chinese Taipei 45-35, 45-35 in their quarter-final match.
India's Stellar Performance — Spirit Under Pressure
Prior to the quarter-final encounter, the Indian team had prepared exceptionally well. The team's confidence was at its peak, fueled by the home environment and audience support. However, the match did not start in India's favor. In the opening boys' doubles match, the pair of Bhargav Ram Arigela and Vishwa Tej Gobburu suffered a 5–9 defeat against Cho Hyeong Woo and Lee Hyeong Woo. But India staged a brilliant comeback thereafter.
In girls' doubles, the pair of Vennala K and Reshika U defeated Cheon Hyo In and Moon In Seo 10–9 to level the score at 1–1. Following this, Ronak Chauhan defeated Choi Ah Seung 11–9, giving India the lead.
Mixed Doubles Fluctuations, Unnati Hooda Delivers Thrills
Subsequently, in the mixed doubles match, the pair of C Lalramsanga and Anya Bisht suffered a 4–9 defeat against Lee and Cheon. With the scores level, the contest became extremely tense. The responsibility now fell on India's rising star, Unnati Hooda, who needed to score 15 points before her opponent, Kim Han Bee, reached nine. Unnati started bly, taking a 3–0 lead, but the Korean player leveled the match at 6–6.
It seemed the set would slip away from India, but Unnati displayed incredible composure, winning five consecutive points to bring the match level at 44–44. However, the decisive serve went into the net, and India lost the first set 44–45.
Strategic Changes Pay Off — Coach's Masterstroke
After the first set, Indian doubles coach Ivan Sozonov (Russia) made strategic changes. He replaced Gobburu with Lalramsanga and Bisht with Vishakha Toppo. This decision proved to be a game-changer for India. In the second set, the pair of Lalramsanga and Bhargav gave India strength by taking a 9–7 lead against Cho and Lee. Subsequently, Vennala and Reshika further consolidated the lead, winning the second set 45–30. With this, India leveled the match at 1–1 and put pressure on Korea.
India had a tremendous start in the third and decisive set. Lalramsanga and Bhargav gave India a 9–4 lead. Although the Korean pair attempted a comeback, Ronak Chauhan defeated Choi 11–4, giving India a decisive lead. Following this, Lalramsanga and Bisht extended this lead to seven points, and finally, Unnati Hooda once again delivered a stellar performance, defeating Kim Han Bee 9–4, securing a historic victory for India.
With this victory, India advanced to the semi-finals of the BWF World Junior Championship and made history by securing its first mixed team medal. In the semi-finals, India will face the reigning Asian U-19 Mixed Team Champions, Indonesia, who defeated Chinese Taipei 45–35, 45–35 in their quarter-final.
