India’s women’s badminton team made a resounding start to their Uber Cup campaign in Chengdu, China, on Saturday, securing a convincing 4-1 victory over Canada. The triumph was spearheaded by a stunning performance from Ashmita Chaliha, who upset world no. 25 Michelle Li in the opening singles match.
Chaliha, ranked 53rd, displayed remarkable resilience and tactical acumen to outplay Li, a Commonwealth Games medalist. The 42-minute encounter saw Chaliha triumph 26-24 24-22, setting the tone for India’s dominant display.
The young women’s doubles pair of Priya Konjengbam and Shruti Mishra continued the momentum, dispatching Catherine Choi and Jeslyn Chow 21-12 21-10 to extend India’s lead to 2-0. Isharani Baruah then sealed an unassailable 3-0 advantage with a 21-13 21-12 victory over Wen Yu Zhang.
Canada managed to salvage a point in the second women’s doubles match, with Jackie Dent and Crystal overcoming Simran Singhi and Ritika Thaker 19-21 15-21. However, Anmol Kharb ensured India’s comfortable win by defeating Eliana Zhang 21-15 21-11 in the fifth and final match.
The victory marks a positive start for the young Indian team, which will face tougher challenges ahead. They will encounter Singapore on Sunday and China on Tuesday in Group A. Meanwhile, India’s men’s team will begin their Thomas Cup title defense against Thailand later on Saturday.
