Asian Games 2026: India confirm medal in men's badminton team event, women crash out
(Courtesy : Badminton Association of India (BAI))
Indian men will face China in the semis of Asian Games 2026
For the first time in 40 years, the Indian men’s badminton team will return with a medal in consecutive editions of the Asian Games, after confirming their place in the semi-finals. India secured a thumping 3-0 win over Japan in the men’s team quarters to also guarantee a podium finish at Asian Games 2026.
Meanwhile, the women’s badminton team crashed out of the continental games after losing 3-1 to Japan.
Related: Asian Games 2026 Day 3 Live Updates
Lakshya Sen and Ayush Shetty won their respective singles ties at the Ichinomiya City Municipal Gymnasium in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, while Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty won their doubles clash to secure a one-sided win for the Men in Blue.
Meanwhile, in the women’s division, PV Sindhu and Unnati Hooda lost their singles ties as India trailed Japan, but Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand’s doubles win gave the Women in Blue some hope. However, that was dashed soon as Tanvi Sharma lost her singles clash.
Men’s team whitewash hosts
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Lakshya Sen gave India a brilliant start, despite losing the opening game against world No. 7 Kodai Naraoka. The 25-year-old Indian shuttler won the second game before coming back from five points down in the deciding game to eventually win the tie 11-21, 21-5, 21-19.
Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty then secured a straight-game 21-18, 24-22 victory against Takuro Hoki and Yugo Kobayashi in their doubles clash. Ayush Shetty wrapped up the victory by beating Koki Watanabe 21-10, 21-19.
India will face either China or South Korea in the semi-finals on Wednesday.
Also Read: Asian Games 2026: India’s updated schedule for Day 4 (September 23)
Women’s team suffer QF loss
The Indian women’s badminton team, meanwhile, suffered a 1-3 loss to Japan in the women’s team quarter-final, bringing an end to their Asian Games 2026 campaign.
PV Sindhu opened the contest against Akane Yamaguchi, winning the opening game but eventually losing the tie 23-21, 18-21, 11-21. Japan further extended their lead as Tomoka Miyazaki defeated Unnati Hooda 21-16, 21-18 in just 21 minutes.
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Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand sealed a straight-game win against Yuki Fukushima and Mayu Matsumoto, beating the Japanese pair 21-17, 21-16 to keep India in the contest. However, the Women in Blue could not mount a comeback as Tanvi Sharma lost 21-12, 21-10 to Nozomi Okuhara in their singles clash.
Who won the India vs Japan men’s badminton team quarter‑final at the Asian Games 2026?
India won 3‑0, with Lakshya Sen, Ayush Shetty, and the doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy/Chirag Shetty sealing victories.
Who will India face in the men’s badminton team semi‑finals at the Asian Games 2026?
India will play either defending champions China in the semi-finals.
Who won the India vs Japan women’s badminton team quarter‑final at the Asian Games 2026?
Japan won 3‑1, eliminating India from the tournament.
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