MR Arjun and Hariharan Amsakarunan Pull Off Impressive Upset at India Open
Indian doubles pair MR Arjun and Hariharan Amsakarunan delivered a stunning performance at the India Open 2025. They defeated the experienced Malaysian duo of Ong Yew Sin and Teo Ei Yi in straight games. The match ended 21-15, 21-18 in just 36 minutes.
A Crucial Moment of Luck
The second game reached a tense 14-14 deadlock. The Malaysians, ranked World No. 34, began gaining momentum. For Arjun, this situation felt familiar. He had faced Ong and Teo five times previously with former partner Dhruv Kapila and never won.
Then came a pivotal point. A long, intense rally unfolded with all four players fully engaged. Hariharan unleashed a powerful smash. The shuttlecock hit the top of the net tape, rolled over, and dropped dead on the Malaysian side. This lucky net cord broke the tension and shifted the match back in India's favor.
"I was telling Hari when we were knocking before the match, when I got like 2-3 lucky net cords, I think today's a lucky day for us," Arjun revealed after the match. "And eventually that happened on court, at a crucial stage."
Arjun's Long Battle with Injuries
This victory represents more than just a first-round win for the 28-year-old Arjun. Considered one of India's most exciting doubles talents, his career has been repeatedly interrupted by injuries.
His promising partnership with Dhruv Kapila showed great potential. They came within one win of a World Championships medal in 2022. However, an ankle injury to Arjun halted their progress. This was followed by persistent back issues that took over eighteen months to properly diagnose.
"The injuries were very hard," Arjun admitted. "Only the people close to me know what it was like. There were phases when I used to doubt myself. I never questioned my playing style, but my body..."
While Arjun recovered, Kapila moved to mixed doubles with Tanisha Crasto. Arjun cycled through different partners, struggling to find the right fit.
A New Partnership Born from Suggestion
The turning point came when national coach Tan Kim Her proposed a new pairing. He suggested Arjun team up with the 22-year-old Hariharan Amsakarunan in late 2025. The combination clicked almost immediately.
Their early results were promising:
- Semifinal finish at the Indonesia Masters
- Quarterfinal appearance at the Kaohsiung Masters
- Title victory at the Al Ain Masters
"For me, the first Super 100 title was special after all these years," Arjun said. "Even though I've had good performances here and there, a title is always a title."
The Dynamic Between Experience and Youth
The partnership benefits from strong off-court chemistry. Arjun is Malayali, Hariharan is Tamilian, and communication flows easily. The six-year age gap has not been a barrier.
Hariharan looks up to Arjun as an inspiration, having watched his energetic court coverage for years. For Arjun, Hariharan's fiery competitive spirit provides fresh motivation.
"When we used to play Ong-Teo in the past, there used to be a feeling of respect," Arjun observed. "I am very happy to see Hari play with the fire to win, which is very hard to find in some youngsters. Him showing that fiery spirit motivates me as well, even though I'm a senior player."
Looking Ahead with Cautious Optimism
The pair, currently ranked 62nd in the world, have set clear, incremental goals. They aim to win smaller tournaments, accumulate enough ranking points to enter top-tier events, and compete strongly there. Their ultimate target is to break into the world's top 30 by year's end.
Arjun remains hopeful but realistic about the challenges ahead, particularly regarding his physical health. "Just fingers crossed, no more injuries and stuff," he said. "And probably you guys will see us in the top 30 soon."
This victory over a former top-10 pair at the India Open marks a significant step in that direction. It signals a potential resurgence for MR Arjun and the exciting beginning of a promising new Indian doubles partnership.
