India might have cone a long way in winning a mixed team bronze at the Badminton World Junior Championships in Guwahati. But they have a considerably longer way to go in junior development and preparing those on the brink of seniors transition, before they get into the top tier.
The top tier right now is Indonesia, winner of Asian event earlier and defending champions. Their junior brigade that there’s more to winning than aggression, attack and skill – and Indians remain tactically very suspect, especially in doubles.
Unnati Hooda, India’s most optimistic bet to drag India out of their struggle, ‘lost’ her matches 9-10 and 7-9 to Thalita Wiryawan as India went down 45-35, 45-21 in straight sets in the relay format, though the sucker punches cane in womens doubles. India’s only segment wins came from Bhargav Arigela-Viswa Gobburu (9-5 in the first) and mixed doubles, Lalramsangaand Vishakha Toppo (10-9), but three 2-9 setbacks across the rwo sets, really plunged the team out of any contention.
(L-R) Bhargav Ram Arigela & Viswa Tej Gobburu of India during semifinals clash against Indonesia at the Yonex Sunnrise BWF World Junior Mixed Team Championships 2025 in Guwahati. (BWF/Badminton Photo)
Bhargav-Viswa started well, offering hugely false hope with 9-6 win over Rizki-Daffa. Unnati couldn’t get going against the astute Wiryawan, though she was far from humbled, going at 9-10.
But then Indonesia’s next big thing in men’s singles Md Ubaidillah showed why he might be seen on seniors circuit soon enough. He also showed up Rounak Chouhan whose hopping, attacking game was calmly stubbed out by the technically sound Ubed. His deceptive drops are his calling card, but like Jojo Christie and later Kunlavut, Ubed stays sturdy and solid, while marinated in those seasoned Indonesian net deceptions. He won 9-5, opening up a 10-point team lead for Indonesia.
Lalramsanga, the find for India, alongwith Vishakha Toppo made it 33-36, winning 10-9 against Pramudya-Nastine. But Reshika-Vennala collapsed 2-9. Indonesia was 1-0 up.
Indonesia’s next big thing in men’s singles Md Ubaidillah showed why he might be seen on seniors circuit soon enough. (Badminton Photo)
The defending champs with their tails up then threw their might at India. Mubarrok-Pramudya beat Bhargav-Viswa 9-2. Unnati struggled at 7-9, and Rounak’s best earmong him another 7-9 against Ubed, India were 15-27 down. Sanga&Toppo lost 4-9 too and needing 26 to win from last match, India’s women’s doubles got overwhelmed and packed off with another 2-9 loss.
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The gulf between bronze and gold (or silver that Indonesia might win), was yawning-wide open as if the Indians were sleepless and seeing little.
Japan having lost 42-45 in the first set, were fighting back against China 24-23 in the second semifinal.
Team selections can be debated for India. But the better riposte would be to prove their worth in individual events next week.
© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd
