India dominates Macau 5-0 to reach quarterfinal at Badminton Asia Mixed Team Championship (BMTC).

India's excellent start in the Badminton Asia Mixed Team Championship, starting with an effective 5- to- 0 score over Macau to win their opening Group D match, held in Qingdao, China, this Wednesday, saw a successful debut for the Indian men. Complete victory not only increased India's confidence, but it also booked them a place in the quarterfinals of the competition. With a good track record, including third place finish in the latest version of the competition in Dubai, this Indian badminton outfit is going for more.

In the tiebreaker of Group D, India made an impressive start as the mixed doubles combination of Sathish Kumar Karunakaran and Aadya Variyath showed a superb display. The pair, coming off the back of their success in the National Games, displayed a powerful performance to win in straight sets over the Macau pair, Iok Chong Leong and Weng Chi Ng. Their 21-10, 21-9 (successful) means was a good beginning and from that they established the course of their other games.

India's progress continued as Lakshya Sen, the bronze medallist at the 2021 World Championships, took to the court for the men’s singles. Sen showed his class and skill winning in the best of two sets, 21-16, 21-12, against Pang Fong Pui. His strong performance contributed to India's expanding dynamism, ending the score at 2-0 in their favor.

Following Sen's success, the women’s singles was next, with the 2024 Hylo Open finalist Malvika Bansod stepping up. Bansod showed a high technique and a fine technique to adjust and to dominate, 21-15, 21-9 over Hao Wai Chan of Macau. This win effectively sealed the tie for India, ensuring they had a 3-0 lead and a guaranteed victory, with only two remaining matches to be played.

The Indian duo of Chirag Shetty and MR Arjun also kept the male dominance of the event in the India. The duo triumphed over Macau's Chin Pon Pui and Kok Wen Vong in a competitive match, securing a 21-15, 21-19 win. That victory upgraded the Indians’ score to 4-0 and, in turn, elevated their position in this group.

To wrap up the clean sweep, the women’s doubles pair of Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand, ranked 9th in the world, finished the job with a resounding 21-10, 21-5 victory. The players destroyed Macau's NG Weng Chi and Pui Chi Wa's game en route to a 5-0 win as the champions players of India.

Not only did India's victory over Macao earn them a crucial win, it also demonstrated the power and the number of their squad. With every player delivering impressive performances across their respective categories, the Indian team has sent a clear message that they are ready to take on tougher challenges in the tournament. Their winning presentation has set the stage for a more competitive game in their subsequent group match against Korea.

The next match against Korea will be a deciding match, as it will determine which team will win the group. Equipped with a solid Indian team and recent successes including winning a bronze medal at the Badminton Asia Mixed Team Championship, current events have created great expectations. Indien's win over Korea will put them in a favorable position for the knockout stages.

India's badminton team, comprised of veterans, such as Lakshya Sen, Chirag Shetty and Treesa Jolly, as well as future stars, Malvika Bansod and Aadya Variyath, appears to be in a position to consider a serious challenge at the championship. Cohesiveness within the group and consistent quality have already done their bit, and the next challenges in the competition will require them to grow and deliver when under more pressing competition in order to reach for a coveted spot on the podium.

Indeed, throughout the course of the tournament, all eyes will be on the Indian team, who will be aiming to sustain their solid beginning in taking first place. Having confirmed the quarterfinals, India is already a contender among the best teams, but the battle for the grand finale is far from over. Resilience, team's tenacity and unmet challenges will be key to success enhancement toward better outcome in the Badminton Asia Mixed Team Championship.