India Secure Historic Mixed-Team Medal at BWF World Junior Championships

It was a night of nerves, grit, and glory in Guwahati as India scripted a historic first at the BWF World Junior Mixed Team Championships 2025, beating Korea 2–1 in a thrilling quarterfinal clash that lasted nearly three hours. With the victory, India confirmed its first-ever mixed-team medal in the championship’s history, signaling a new era for Indian badminton.

At the National Centre of Excellence, chants of “India! India!” echoed as every point turned into a battle of will. The final scoreline read 44–45, 45–30, 45–33, but those numbers barely captured the rollercoaster emotions of a team that refused to break under pressure.

A Fierce Start and Early Pressure

India’s campaign began on a tense note as Bhargav Ram Arigela and Viswa Tej Gobburu went down 5–9 in the boys’ doubles against Korea’s Cho Hyeong Woo and Lee Hyeong Woo. The Koreans looked sharper at the net, moving with precision and exploiting the midcourt gaps.

But India struck back immediately. The girls’ doubles pair of Vennala K and Reshika U showed fearless aggression, edging out Cheon Hye In and Moon In Seo 10–9, pulling India right back into contention. The crowd erupted when Rounak Chouhan displayed incredible control to overcome Choi Ah Seung 11–9, closing the gap to a single point.

However, Korea reclaimed momentum as C Lalramsanga and Aanya Bisht lost the mixed doubles 4–9, putting India under heavy scoreboard pressure.

That’s when Unnati Hooda, India’s teenage sensation, took center stage. Known for her tenacity, Unnati needed to score 15 points before Kim Han Bi could reach nine, a mountain to climb. She stormed ahead 3–0, then faced a 6–6 deadlock. Every rally stretched longer, every shot met with gasps. Unnati clawed back from the brink, tying it 44–44, but heartbreak followed as her serve clipped the net on set point. The Koreans stole the opener 45–44, silencing the crowd momentarily.

Korea led 1–0, but the night was far from over.

Substitutions That Changed the Game

Coach Sagar Chopda made bold moves before the second set. Lalramsanga replaced Gobburu in the boys’ doubles, and Vishakha Toppo was introduced in place of Aanya Bisht. The changes turned the tide almost instantly.

Lalramsanga and Bhargav combined brilliantly to secure a 9–7 win, using quick reflexes and sharp serves to outmaneuver the Koreans. Vennala and Reshika extended the advantage with disciplined positioning, maintaining India’s momentum.

By the time Unnati returned to the court, India had built a nine-point cushion. With controlled aggression and precise smashes, she closed the set with authority, leveling the contest at 1–1.

The Decider: India’s Moment of Glory

The third set began with the same intensity. Lalramsanga and Bhargav opened strongly again, taking a 9–4 lead. But fatigue began to show as Korea’s Cheon and Moon fought back, trimming India’s lead to just two points.

Sensing the pressure, Rounak Chouhan stepped up once more. Delivering a dominant 11–4 win over Choi Ah Seung, he swung momentum decisively back in India’s favor. The bench roared as India surged ahead.

Lalramsanga and Bisht extended the margin to seven, setting the stage for Unnati’s redemption. Walking onto the court with ice-cold focus, she dismantled Kim Han Bi 9–4 to seal India’s historic victory. The crowd erupted in celebration, players embraced on the court, and the Indian flag waved high across the stands.

The scoreboard 44–45, 45–30, 45–33 told a story of resilience, tactical brilliance, and team unity that defined India’s journey through the championship.

Inside the Strategy: How India Outplayed Korea

India’s success was not just about skill but about strategy. The team management read Korea’s doubles-heavy lineup perfectly and focused on strengthening singles and mixed events.

Targeted substitutions: Bringing in Lalramsanga added defensive solidity, while Toppo’s energy in mixed doubles broke Korea’s rhythm.
Momentum shifts: Each player’s performance was timed to protect point clusters in the 45-point relay format, a strategic mastery few junior teams have displayed.
Mental resilience: Unnati’s ability to bounce back after losing the opening set showed elite-level composure, something India’s senior circuit will soon benefit from.

India’s Growing Badminton Powerhouse

This win represents more than a medal. It symbolizes the depth of India’s badminton ecosystem. Years of investment in youth academies, data-driven training, and sports science support are now paying off.

From Pullela Gopichand’s legacy to emerging stars like Unnati Hooda, Rounak Chouhan, and Vennala K, the future looks stronger than ever. Each junior athlete now trains with access to analytics, game footage, and fitness tracking, tools that are helping India produce world-class talent faster than before.

The semifinal against Indonesia, Asia’s reigning U-19 mixed team champions, will be another test of India’s stamina and belief. Indonesia beat Chinese Taipei 45–35, 45–35, showing their power-packed balance. But if India’s performance against Korea proved anything, it is that no opponent can outlast their spirit.

India’s Historic Run and What Lies Ahead

With this semifinal qualification, India has already ensured at least a bronze, its first-ever mixed-team medal at the BWF World Junior Championships. The young squad’s performance has ignited fresh excitement among fans and sports analysts alike.

Every player on this team, from the calm precision of Lalramsanga to the fierce determination of Unnati, has written a new chapter in Indian badminton history.

Their achievement has also strengthened India’s position as one of the world’s fastest-rising badminton nations, joining the elite ranks alongside Indonesia, China, and Japan in youth development programs.

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