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India's Badminton Teams Reach Semifinals at Asia Championships

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, February 3rd 2026 at 22:43 GMT by ESPN
      Locales: INDIA, JAPAN, KOREA REPUBLIC OF, MALAYSIA, THAILAND, CHINA

Hyderabad, India - February 4, 2026 - India's badminton teams are setting the stage ablaze at the Badminton Asia Team Championships in Hyderabad, showcasing a remarkable blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talent. Both the men's and women's squads have secured their spots in the semifinals, a testament to the nation's growing prowess in the sport. This success isn't merely about winning matches; it signals a potential shift in the global badminton hierarchy, with India steadily challenging traditional powerhouses like China, Japan, and Indonesia.

Men's Team: A Display of Dominance

The Indian men's team delivered a commanding performance, dismantling Hong Kong 4-0. The victory wasn't built on a single star player, but on a cohesive team effort. HS Prannoy, continuing his impressive form, led the charge with a decisive win over Lee Cheuk Yiu, setting a confident tone for the team. The pressure didn't faze Lakshya Sen, who seamlessly followed up with a victory against Brian Tam. Sen, known for his aggressive gameplay and powerful smashes, is increasingly becoming a cornerstone of the Indian men's team.

The doubles pairing of Ki Shuang Xing and Harshit Arora proved to be a winning combination, solidifying India's strength in all departments. Their court coverage and strategic play were crucial in securing a vital point. Sriram Raghavan then capped off the perfect day for the men's team with a clinical finish in the final match. The consistency across all five players signals a depth within the squad that hasn't always been present in previous iterations of the Indian team. This depth will be critical as they head into the tougher challenges ahead.

Women's Team: Resilience and Grit Prevail

The women's team's path to the semifinals wasn't as straightforward. Their 3-2 victory over South Korea was a hard-fought battle, demonstrating the team's resilience and determination. Anaya Kuruvilla started the tie brightly, giving India an early lead. However, South Korea, a historically strong badminton nation, quickly responded with a doubles victory, leveling the score. This response underscored the competitive nature of the championships and the growing strength of other Asian teams.

Ridhyma Gill stepped up to the plate, reclaiming the lead for India with a commendable performance. Yet, the South Korean team wasn't willing to concede, and they once again equalized the tie, setting the stage for a nail-biting finish. The pressure was immense as the final match fell to the dynamic duo of Treesa Jolly and Kullajan Ganapathy. They delivered under pressure, showcasing their synergy and skill to clinch the decisive victory, sending the Indian women into the semifinals. Their performance was a testament to the effectiveness of the Indian Badminton Association's focus on developing strong doubles pairings.

Looking Ahead: Semifinal Showdowns and Beyond

Thursday's semifinals will present a significant challenge for both Indian teams. The men's team faces a formidable Japan, a nation renowned for its technical brilliance and tactical prowess. This match is anticipated to be a clash of styles, with India's power-hitting approach pitted against Japan's finesse and precision. The women's team, meanwhile, will be up against the badminton juggernaut that is China. China has historically dominated women's badminton, and this match will be a true test of India's ability to compete with the very best.

This success at the Asia Team Championships isn't an isolated event. It's part of a larger trend of Indian badminton players consistently performing at the highest level on the international stage. Players like PV Sindhu and Kidambi Srikanth have paved the way, and a new generation of talented athletes is now emerging. The Indian Badminton Association's investment in grassroots development programs and advanced training facilities is clearly paying dividends.

Beyond the immediate goals of winning medals at the Asia Team Championships and upcoming international tournaments, India is strategically positioning itself as a global badminton superpower. The increasing popularity of the sport within India, coupled with growing corporate sponsorship, is creating a sustainable ecosystem for continued success. If the current trajectory continues, we can expect to see even more Indian players dominating the international badminton scene in the years to come.