In Chengdu, India’s junior badminton stars have secured gold medals in the U‑17 and U‑15 events at the Badminton Asia U‑17 & U‑15 Championships.
Sixth seed Diksha Sudhakar and eighth‑ranked Lakshya Rajesh both won their semifinals in straight games, guaranteeing India two gold medals. Sikha defeated China’s Yun Chiao Su 21‑8, 21‑17 in 27 minutes, while Lakshya beat Japan’s Ria Haga 21‑15, 21‑19. The pair’s victories mean coaches and fans can celebrate another gold in each event.
Top‑seeded Shaina Manimuthu also reached the U‑15 finals after a tough match against China’s Yun Jie Yi, winning 21‑12, 16‑21, 21‑16. She will now face Japan’s Chiharu Tomita in the girls’ U‑15 final. With this, India will have two gold medals on the podium.
The overall medal tally was already strong before Saturday’s semifinals. India had already secured five medals, and the two girls’ victories bring the total to seven, including the golds.
However, India’s hopes in the mixed‑doubles and boys’ singles categories were dashed. In the mixed‑doubles semis, Jangjeet Singh Kajla and Jananika Ramesh lost a close match to Chinese Taipei players I. An Chang and Yo Han Wang, 17‑21, 21‑18, 21‑16. In boys’ singles, Jagsher Singh Khangurra was beaten by China’s Hong Tian Yue 21‑11, 21‑16.
Earlier Friday, Lakshya Rajesh shocked top seed Lalita Sattayathadakoon of Thailand, winning 11‑21, 21‑16, 21‑19 in a spirited quarter‑final. Diksha Sudhakar beat Indonesia’s Raisya Affatunisa 21‑17, 21‑8, while Jagsher Singh Khangurra continued his hot streak with a 21‑13, 21‑14 win over Hong Kong’s Zhan Shing Yui.
The Indian contingent’s performance at Chengdu showcases the depth of young talent ready to compete on the Asian stage, and the gold medals secure a bright future for Indian badminton.
Source: ianslive
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