India dominates UAE, Storms into BWF World Junior mixed Team Championships Quarterfinals
Guwahati, India – October 9, 2025 – The Indian badminton contingent has officially punched its ticket to the quarterfinals of the BWF World Junior Mixed Team Championships 2025, showcasing a dominant performance with a decisive 45-37, 45-34 victory over the United arab Emirates (UAE) in their final Group H showdown. This win solidifies India’s position as the sole unbeaten team in their group, carrying significant momentum into the knockout stages.
As the second seeds and hosts, the Indian team, fueled by the home crowd’s roar, displayed a level of confidence that was palpable on the court. Their earlier victories against Nepal and Sri lanka set the stage for this commanding performance against a UAE side that boasts a few players with experience in the Indian domestic circuit.
The tone was set early by US Open finalist tanvi Sharma, who delivered a strong opening performance, defeating reigning Indian junior national champion prakriti Bharath 9-5.The momentum continued with the formidable mixed doubles pairing of C Lalramsanga and Vishakha Toppo, who extended India’s lead to 18-10 against the UAE’s Adithya Kiran and Sakshi Kurbkhelgi.
While the UAE squad showed flashes of resilience, notably in the boys’ singles and doubles where Bharath lateesh managed to score nine points against Hmar Lalthazuala and then, alongside riyan Malhan, contributed 10 points in their doubles match, these efforts ultimately weren’t enough to bridge the gap. It was a familiar narrative for many emerging badminton nations – a spirited effort, but facing a more seasoned and cohesive unit.
The second set saw strategic player rotations from the Indian side, with Unnati Hooda stepping in for Tanvi Sharma and Suryansh Rawat replacing Hmar Lalthazuala. Hooda continued the winning streak, securing a 9-6 victory over Prakriti Bharath. From that point on, the Indian team never looked back, their path to the quarterfinals clear and their unbeaten streak intact.
This victory propels India into a highly anticipated quarterfinal clash against the Republic of korea on Thursday. The Korean team, a perennial powerhouse in international badminton, will undoubtedly present a significant challenge, but India’s current form suggests they are more than ready to compete at the highest level.
A New Era of Badminton: the Relay Format
This year’s BWF World Junior Mixed Team Championships is also notable for its innovative relay format. Played over best-of-three sets, each set is won by the first team to reach 45 points. The format comprises five matches: men’s singles, women’s singles, men’s doubles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles. A unique aspect is that play progresses to the next match once a team reaches nine points, and teams have the strategic advantage of being able to change their players for each set. This dynamic approach adds an exciting layer of tactical depth, reminiscent of the strategic substitutions seen in sports like basketball or volleyball, where coaches can adapt their lineups to exploit matchups and maintain momentum.
The BWF World Junior Mixed Team Championships, also known as the Suhandinata Cup, will conclude on October 11. Following this team event, the individual championships will take center stage from October 13 to 19 at the same venue, promising further thrilling badminton action.
For U.S. sports fans, this tournament offers a glimpse into the future of badminton talent. the strategic depth of the relay format and the emergence of young stars like Tanvi Sharma and Unnati Hooda highlight the evolving landscape of the sport. As India continues its quest for the title, their performance will be closely watched, not just by local enthusiasts, but by a growing global audience eager to witness the next generation of badminton champions. The upcoming clash against Korea will be a true test of India’s mettle and a crucial indicator of their potential to go all the way.
