The winners now await the result of the other semifinal between 14-time champions China and Japan.
Photo: IANS
India’s run in the BWF World Junior Mixed Team Championships ended with a bronze medal after the hosts fell short against defending champions Indonesia in the semifinals at the National Centre of Excellence here on Friday.
The Indian squad, which had scripted history by securing their first-ever medal in the mixed-team event with a win over former champions Korea on Thursday, went down 35-45, 21-45 to pre-tournament favourites Indonesia. The winners now await the result of the other semifinal between 14-time champions China and Japan.
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India made a single change to their lineup from the Korea clash, bringing in Vishakha Toppo for Aanya Bisht in mixed doubles, while once again starting the tie with the boys’ doubles category. Bhargav Ram Arigela and Viswa Tej Gobburu got India off to a strong start, defeating Indonesia’s Muhammad Rizki Mubarrok and Raihan Daffa Pramono 9-5, raising early hopes of an upset.
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Unnati Hooda struggled in the girls’ singles against Thalita Wiryawan, but managed to keep India narrowly ahead at 18-16. However, Indonesia’s world junior No.1 in boys’ singles, Mohd Ubaidillah, turned the tide by defeating Rounak Chouhan 11-5, giving the visitors a four-point lead.
The mixed doubles pair of Lalramsanga and Vishakha Toppo tried to mount a comeback, leveling the score at 28-28 and taking an early 9-3 lead. But Indonesia’s Ikhsan Pramudya and Rinjani Nastine responded after the break, eventually winning 10-9 and taking control. Nastine then combined with Riska Anggraini to beat Reshika U. and Vennala K. 9-2, sealing the first set 45-35.
Indonesia dominated the second set from the start, with Mubarrok and Pramono overpowering the Indian boys’ doubles 9-2. Hooda and Chouhan also lost their singles matches 7-9, leaving India unable to recover.
Despite the semifinal exit, India will now turn their focus to the individual championship, set to begin on Monday, hoping to build on the experience gained in the team event.
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