In a match that had everything – upsets, comebacks, and sheer determination – India’s defending champion women’s team progressed to the BATC quarter-finals despite losing 2-3 to Thailand in Group Y on Thursday in Chingdao.
The result crowned Thailand group toppers, with India in silver medal position for the stage. Earlier, India demolished Myanmar 5-0, making this loss a mere hiccup.
Tanvi Sharma set the tone, battling past Busanan Ongbamrungphan 21-14, 17-21, 21-18 after 63 minutes of high-octane action. The world No. 42’s victory was a statement of intent.
Gayatri Gopichand and Treesa Jolly followed suit, clinching a tense 21-14, 20-22, 21-11 win over Thailand’s pair, giving India a commanding 2-0 cushion.
But Thailand’s fightback was fierce. Young gun Pichaemon Opritniputh dismantled Rakshita Ramraj 21-19, 21-17. Doubles stars Hathairat Mijad and Napaporn Tungkasatan then triumphed 21-19, 14-21, 15-21 against Tanisha Crasto and Shruti Mishra, forcing a fifth rubber.
Pornpicha Choeikeewong wrapped it up, beating Malvika Bansod 21-18, 21-14. Thailand’s depth prevailed, but India’s qualification remains intact.
BATC serves as Asia’s gateway to the Thomas-Uber Cup in Denmark. India’s women defend their Uber title; the men chase gold beyond past bronzes. This loss? Just battle scars on the road to glory.
As quarters loom, expect India’s stars to rebound with vengeance, turning near-misses into championship gold.