India Start Asian Games Badminton Campaign With 3-0 Win Over Kazakhstan
India made a winning start to the Asian Games 2026 women’s badminton team event, defeating Kazakhstan 3-0 in the pre-quarterfinals in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The victory sent India into the quarterfinals, where they will face hosts and second seeds Japan on September 22.
Sindhu Gives India the Perfect Start
Two-time Olympic medallist P.V. Sindhu opened the tie for India against Kamila Smagulova. Sindhu dominated from the beginning and secured a comfortable 21-7, 21-9 victory.Her win put India 1-0 ahead and gave the team an early advantage in the knockout tie.
Unnati Hooda Extends the Lead
Young Indian shuttler Unnati Hooda then took on Alissa Kuleshova in the second singles match. She continued India's strong performance with a 21-7, 21-10 win.
With India leading 2-0, the team needed just one more victory to seal the tie.
Tanvi Sharma Completes the Clean Sweep
Tanvi Sharma delivered the decisive result in the third singles rubber, defeating Diana Namenova 21-5, 21-10.India won all three singles matches without dropping a game, meaning the doubles pairs were not required to take the court.
Japan Next in Quarterfinals
India's next challenge will be significantly tougher as they take on Japan, the second seeds and hosts, in the quarterfinals on September 22. Japan received a bye in the opening round.The quarterfinal will be India's next test as the team looks to progress further in the women's team event.
