New Delhi: India's young women's badminton team staged a strong comeback in the Uber Cup, securing a convincing 4-1 victory over Ukraine to keep their quarterfinal hopes alive. After a narrow defeat to Denmark earlier, the team displayed renewed confidence and energy, with the younger players stepping up to deliver a dominant performance.
Team Strategy Pays Off
India made a bold decision to rest star player PV Sindhu in the singles matches, giving opportunities to rising talents. The move paid off handsomely as the youngsters seized their chances. Unnati Hooda set the tone with a tight straight-game win over Polina Buhrova, winning 21-19, 22-20. Tanvi Sharma then extended India's lead with a hard-fought three-game victory against Yevheniia Kantemyr, 21-12, 17-21, 21-10.
Devika Sihag Seals the Tie
The biggest moment came from Devika Sihag, who sealed the tie with a confident win over Mariia Stoliarenko in the third singles, 23-21, 21-13, ensuring India took an unbeatable 3-0 lead.
Doubles Action
India's only loss came in the first doubles match, where Kavipriya Selvam and Simran Singhi went down in straight games to Buhrova and Kantemyr, 11-21, 17-21. However, the team quickly recovered as Tanisha Crasto partnered with Sindhu to win the final doubles match against Sofiia Lavrova and Stoliarenko, 21-18, 21-15, completing the 4-1 scoreline.
Road Ahead
The victory gives India a much-needed boost after their opening defeat and keeps them in contention for a place in the knockout stage. However, their next challenge will be a tough one against defending champions China. A win in that match will be crucial for India to advance to the quarterfinals.
Uber Cup Result: India vs Ukraine
- Unnati Hooda bt Polina Buhrova 21-19, 22-20
- Tanvi Sharma bt Yevheniia Kantemyr 21-12, 17-21, 21-10
- Devika Sihag bt Mariia Stoliarenko 23-21, 21-13
- Kavipriya Selvam/Simran Singhi lost to Buhrova/Kantemyr 11-21, 17-21
- Tanisha Crasto/PV Sindhu bt Sofiia Lavrova/Stoliarenko 21-18, 21-15
