PV Sindhu‘s stellar performance led India to a narrow 3-2 victory over China in Group W of the Badminton Asia Team Championships, played at the Setia City Convention Centre in Shah Alam, Malaysia.
The two-time Olympian PV Sindhu made a triumphant comeback to the scene on Wednesday, participating in her first match in four months following her retirement in the French Open second round in October.
Badminton Asia Team Championships: India defeats China with PV Sindhu making a victorious comeback
In forty minutes, the world No. 11 defeated the world No. 8 in Han Yue, 21-17, 21-15, for her fifth victory in as many matches. In Group W of the Badminton Asia Team Championships held at the Setia City Convention Centre in Shah Alam, Malaysia, India defeated China 3-2 thanks to the victory.
After finishing 2023 without a title, Sindhu suffered a knee injury in October and withdrew from competition. The former world champion won the first game without giving up the lead, demonstrating that she was not just getting back into shape but also her confidence. The 28-year-old then overcame a 10-point deficit to lead India 1-0 after winning 11 of the following 13 points.
However, Tanisha Crasto/Ashwini Ponnappa and Ashmita Chaliha lost their subsequent matches, sending the team into a 1-2 deficit. Ashmita lost the second singles rubber 13-21, 15-21 to world No. 9 Wang Zhi Yi, while Tanisha and Ashwini lost 19-21, 16-21 to Tan Ning and Liu Sheng Shu, the world’s #4 doubles team.
Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand defeated Li Yi Jing and Luo Xu Min 10-21, 21-18, and 21-17 to tie the score, but Anmol Kharb, 17, showed incredible maturity to defeat Wu Luo Yu 22-20, 14-21, and 21-18 in an hour and eighteen minutes to give India the victory.
The teenager appeared to be under strain at first since she lost the second game and fell behind 1-5 early in the third. However, the defending national champion followed through on her strategy of keeping the shuttle in play, winning the match with three consecutive points.
In the women’s team event, India won for the first time ever over China, although the latter did not field their best squad because star players Chen Yufei and He Bing Jiao were not there. The quarterfinals, which take place on Friday, will feature both clubs.
Lakshya Sen defeated Chan Yin Chak 21-14, 21-9, while Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty defeated Lui Chun Wai and Yeung Shing Choi 21-16, 21-11. MR Arjun and Dhruv Kapila went on to defeat Chow Hin Long and Hung Kuei Chun 21-12, 21-7, while Kidambi Srikanth defeated Jason Gunawan 21-14, 21-18 to end the match.
India will face China to decide the group winners on Thursday.
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FAQs:
Q1: What is the Badminton Asia Team Championships?
A1: The Badminton Asia Team Championships is a biennial badminton tournament organized by the Badminton Asia, featuring teams from Asian countries competing against each other.
Q2: Who is PV Sindhu?
A2: PV Sindhu is a renowned Indian badminton player who has won numerous accolades including Olympic and World Championship medals.
Q3: How did India fare against China in the Badminton Asia Team Championships?
A3: India emerged victorious against China in the Badminton Asia Team Championships, with PV Sindhu playing a pivotal role in securing the win for the Indian team.
Q4: Why is PV Sindhu’s return significant?
A4: PV Sindhu’s return to the badminton court after a hiatus is significant as she showcased her prowess and led India to victory against a formidable opponent like China in the Badminton Asia Team Championships.
