New Delhi: India clinched a historic bronze medal at the BWF World Junior Mixed Team Championships after a valiant effort fell short against defending champions Indonesia in the semifinals held in Guwahati on Friday. This marked India’s first-ever medal in the mixed-team event, following their remarkable victory over former champions South Korea on Thursday.
In the semifinal clash, India was narrowly defeated 35-45, 21-45 by pre-tournament favourites Indonesia, who will now face the winner of the other semifinal between 14-time champion China and Japan.
India made one change to their lineup from the Korea match, replacing Aanya Bisht with Vishakha Toppo in mixed doubles, while retaining the boys’ doubles pairing to start the tie. The Indian duo of Bhargav Ram Arigela and Viswa Tej Gobburu gave a strong start by defeating Indonesia’s Muhammad Rizki Mubarrok and Raihan Daffa Pramono 9-5, raising hopes of an upset.
In the girls’ singles, Unnati Hooda struggled initially against Thalita Wiryawan but managed to keep India ahead at 18-16. However, Indonesia’s world junior No. 1 boys’ singles player Mohd Ubaidillah turned the tide by defeating Rounak Chouhan 11-5, giving Indonesia a four-point lead.
The mixed doubles pair of Lalramsanga and Vishakha Toppo fought back valiantly, leveling the match at 28-28 and briefly leading 9-3. Nevertheless, the Indonesian team of Ikhsan Pramudya and Rinjani Nastine regained control, winning the set 10-9. Nastine and Riska Anggraini then sealed the first set by beating Reshika U. and Vennala K. 9-2, concluding it 45-35.
Indonesia dominated the second set from the start, with Mubarrok and Pramono defeating the Indian boys’ doubles 9-2. Hooda and Chouhan also lost close encounters, making it difficult for India to close the gap.
India now shifts focus to the individual championships, which commence on Monday.
