Badminton Asia Championships: Kapila-Crasto Keep India Afloat As Others Falter

Last Updated:April 07, 2026, 20:54 IST

Kapila and Crasto progress while other Indian pairs exit early at the Badminton Asia Championships, with Lakshya Sen and PV Sindhu set to begin their campaigns next.

It was a mixed opening day for India at the Badminton Asia Championships 2026, with Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto advancing to the second round, while other mixed doubles pairs bowed out early.

Kapila and Crasto battled past Thailand’s Phuwanat Horbanluekit and Benyapa Aimsaard 21-14, 11-21, 21-15 in a hard-fought three-game encounter.

Tough Day for Other Pairs

However, it was heartbreak for Rohan Kapoor and Gadde Ruthvika Shivani, who lost 13-21, 19-21 to Malaysia’s eighth seeds Goh Soon Huat and Lai Shevon Jemie in just 34 minutes.

The Indian duo struggled to find rhythm early on, conceding the first game comfortably before putting up a stronger fight in the second. But the experienced Malaysian pair held firm to close out the match in straight games.

Ashith Surya and Amrutha Pramuthesh also exited in the opening round, falling 16-21, 15-21 to Malaysia’s Wong Tien Ci and Lim Chiew Sien. Despite flashes of resistance, the Indians couldn’t maintain pressure at key moments.

Spotlight Shifts to Singles

With the doubles action underway, attention now turns to singles, where India’s top stars are set to begin their campaigns on Wednesday.

Lakshya Sen will lead the men’s singles charge. Fresh off a runner-up finish at the All England Championships, Sen faces a tricky opener against Hong Kong’s Lee Cheuk Yiu, against whom he trails 2-3 in head-to-head meetings.

In women’s singles, PV Sindhu returns after an inconsistent European leg and will take on Malaysia’s Wong Ling Ching.

Busy Day Ahead for India

India will also have Kidambi Srikanth, HS Prannoy, and Ayush Shetty in the men’s draw, while Tanvi Sharma, Unnati Hooda, and Malvika Bansod will feature in women’s singles.

(with PTI inputs)

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