The Indian women’s badminton squad secured a historic 3-0 victory over Hong Kong, advancing to the semi-finals of the Badminton Asia Team Championships for the first time in Selangor, Malaysia, on Friday.
India, who caused an upset by defeating China earlier in the week to lead Group W, capitalized on a favorable quarter-final draw, with two-time Olympic medalist PV Sindhu once again leading the team.
Sindhu, making a comeback after a lengthy injury layoff, made a strong start against Lo Sin Yan Happy but had to regain her composure after a setback in the second game to clinch a 21-7, 16-21, 21-12 victory, giving India the lead.
Sindhu dominated the opening game, winning 11 of the first 12 points. However, Lo put up a strong fight in the second game, using her deceptive strokes to trouble Sindhu and force a decider.
Badminton Asia Team Championships: Indian women blank Hong Kong to secure a medal for the first time
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In the final game, Sindhu displayed her superiority, starting aggressively and maintaining control throughout.
The women’s doubles duo of Tanisha Crasto and Ashwini Ponnappa then demonstrated their excellent form by defeating the world no. 18 pair of Yeung Nga Ting and Yeung Pui Lam 21-10, 21-14, putting India on the verge of securing a semi-final berth.
Ashmita Chaliha sealed the quarterfinal victory with a convincing 21-12, 21-13 win over Yeung Sum Yee.
With a guaranteed medal, India will now await the winner of the quarterfinal match between top seed Japan and China.
Later in the day, the Indian men’s team will face Japan in their quarter-final encounter.
Results (quarterfinals): Women: India defeated Hong Kong 3-0 (PV Sindhu defeated Lo Sin Yan Happy 21-7, 16-21, 21-12; Tanisha Crasto/Ashwini Ponnappa defeated Yeung Nga Ting/Yeung Pui Lam 21-10, 21-14; Ashmita Chaliha defeated Yeung Sum Yee 21-12, 21-13).
