The Indian women’s badminton team, reigning BATC champions, kicked off their title defense with authority, blanking Myanmar 5-0 in Group Y’s first match Wednesday at Qingdao Conson Gymnasium—proving depth trumps star power amid PV Sindhu’s injury absence.
With the two-time Olympian out, 17-year-old Tanvi Sharma—veteran of India’s 2024 triumph—delivered big, toppling Thet Htar Thu Zaw 21-13, 21-16 in 32 minutes flat. Rakshita Sree Santosh and Malvika Bansod followed suit in singles, each clinching straight sets to pile on the pressure.
Doubles sealed the deal decisively. Priya Konjengbam paired with Shruti Mishra to beat Su Latt-Thet 21-15, 21-16, and Treesa Jolly-Gayatri Gopichand overwhelmed Thet-Phoo 21-8, 21-6 in a display of utter superiority.
Thursday brings Thailand, last year’s silver medalists, testing India’s resolve. Five-match group ties (3 singles, 2 doubles) send top pairs to quarters. India defends women’s honors; China men’s. Indian men earned bronzes in 2016, 2020.
BATC’s stakes soar as Asia’s ticket to Thomas-Uber Cup in Denmark this spring, blending continental pride with world qualification drama.