Despite the pre-tournament blow of PV Sindhu’s injury withdrawal, India’s women’s team showcased unbreakable spirit, steamrolling Myanmar 5-0 in their Badminton Asia Team Championship (BATC) Group Y debut at Qingdao’s Conson Gymnasium on Wednesday.
Tanvi Sharma, the 17-year-old sensation from India’s 2024 championship side, shouldered the load masterfully. She crushed Myanmar’s Thet Htar Thu Zaw 21-13, 21-16 in a mere 32 minutes, electrifying the arena and her teammates.
The singles charge continued with Rakshita Sree Santosh and Malvika Bansod delivering emphatic straight-set wins, fortifying India’s lead. In doubles, Priya Konjengbam and Shruti Mishra outclassed Su Latt and Thet 21-15, 21-16, before Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand administered a 21-8, 21-6 demolition of Thet and Phoo to complete the shutout.
India now eyes Thursday’s blockbuster against 2024 runners-up Thailand. Group stage ties pit three singles against two doubles, with top-two teams per group reaching quarters. As women’s title defenders, India aims to repeat; China rules the men’s draw, where India has 2016-2020 bronzes.
This event doubles as Asia’s qualifier for the Thomas and Uber Cup Finals in Denmark’s Horsens come April-May, underscoring its pivotal role in global badminton pathways.