Team India Beats Japan to Advance to the Badminton Asia Women's Team Final

India Women made history on Friday in Selangor, Malaysia, by defeating Japan 3-2 to reach the final of the Badminton Asia Team Championships for the first time. PV Sindhu, a double Olympic winner, lost her singles rubber, but new blood Ashmita Chaliha and veteran Anmol Kharb won their singles matches, while Gayatri Gopichand and Jolly Treesa won their doubles rubber, writing history for India.

Sindhu not able to qualify -

India started their campaign in Selangor by defeating top contenders China in the group stage before removing Hong Kong China 3-0 in the quarterfinals. India's ladies were guaranteed their first medal in the continental team championships when they defeated Hong Kong. Following their victory over Japan, India now has a chance to win gold in the final on Sunday.

India faced a difficult battle when PV Sindhu, World No. 11, lost to Aya Ohori in straight games in the first semi-final match versus Japan. However, India relied on their fresh talent to continue their magical run in Selangor on Saturday. Sindhu was in terrific form on her comeback to competitive activity after a long injury layoff, and the Indian star had beaten Ohori, World No. 14, 13 times in a row before succumbing. However, she lost a close game 13-21, 20-22 in 48 minutes as India faltered after the opening match.

Then came the semi-final's biggest shock: 24-year-old Ashmita Chaliha, World No. 55, surprised former World No. 1 and world champion Nozomi Okuhara 21-17, 21-14 in 43 minutes, giving India a 2-1 lead.

In the fourth round, India had the potential to wrap up the semi-final, but the makeshift doubles team of PV Sindhu and Ashwini Ponnappa were defeated 14-21, 11-21 by Japan's Rena Miyaura and Ayako Sakuramoto.

Saina fan Anmol does it again -

The 16-year-old national champion Anmol was once again expected to win the decisive match. She performed admirably in a similar task during the group stage match against China, but the strain of the semifinal was visible as both sides were supporting their respective teammates from the sidelines.
Anmol Kharb, a Saina Nehwal fan, did not let fears get to her as she remained calm and composed on the court, making it appear effortless.

Anmol, ranked 472 in the world, defeated No. 29 Natsuki Nidaira 21-14, 21-18 in 52 minutes. Anmol demonstrated assured gameplay and confidence, and chief coach Pullela Gopichand was pleased.

Clinched victory and now in semi-finals -

In the second game, Anmol was down 1-4, but she seized control right away and didn't let her opponent, who was ranked higher, get back into the match, not even at the change of ends.

The players on the women's team celebrated the historic win by rushing onto the court and giving Anmol an embrace.

Thailand and India will compete in the women's event final at BATC 2024. On Saturday, Thailand emerged victorious over Indonesia 3-1 in the other semifinal.