Badminton Asia Mixed Team C'ship: India crash out of quarterfinals after 0-3 loss to Japan

India’s campaign at the Badminton Asia Mixed Team Championship came to an end in the quarterfinals as they suffered a 0-3 defeat against a dominant Japan at Qingdao Conson Sports Centre in China on Friday.

India were no match for the Japanese challenge.

Japan took an early lead as Hiroki Midorikawa and Natsu Saito defeated Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto in the mixed doubles match.

The Japanese duo dominated the first game, winning 21-13 with their sharp net play and aggressive attacking shots.

The Indian pair fought back in the second game, using better placements and well-timed smashes to draw level with a 21-17 win. However, Japan surged ahead in the decider, building an early lead and sealing the match 21-13, helping them take a 1-0 lead in the tie.

In the women’s singles match, Tomoka Miyazaki extended Japan's lead with a 21-12, 21-19 victory over Malvika Bansod.

Miyazaki controlled the first game with quick footwork and precise shot placement, leaving Malvika struggling to find her rhythm.

The second game was much closer, with Malvika testing her opponent with longer rallies and even leading at the mid-game interval. However, Miyazaki held her nerves in the crucial moments to close out the match, giving Japan a 2-0 lead.

As the pressure mounted on India, HS Prannoy stepped onto the court to take on Kenta Nishimoto in the men's singles match.

Nishimoto started strong, winning the opening game 21-14 with smart court coverage and deceptive strokes. Prannoy bounced back in the second game, showing resilience and aggressive play to claim it 21-15, forcing a decider.

However, Nishimoto was relentless in the third game, surging to an 11-3 lead at the break and eventually closing it out 21-12, securing the win for Japan and eliminating India from the tournament.

With this win over India, Japan moved to the semifinals, while India, the bronze medallist from the previous edition, will return home empty-handed.