Drama unfolded in Qingdao as the Indian men’s team outlasted Singapore in a five-match epic to advance to the Badminton Asia Team Championships (BATC) 2026 quarterfinals. The Group C battle at Conson Gymnasium highlighted the depth of Indian badminton.
Loh Kean Yew’s 21-16, 19-21, 21-16 conquest over Lakshya Sen gave Singapore the early lead. India’s dynamic duo, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, equalized with a 21-10, 21-8 demolition job. Ayyansh Shetty extended the momentum, beating Jia Heng Jason Teh 21-17, 21-15.
The plot twisted when Prithvi Roy and K Sai Prateek, after a strong start, lost 21-8, 21-23, 20-22 to force the decider. Veteran Kidambi Srikanth rose to the occasion, overpowering Jia Wei Joel Koh 21-15, 21-16 and sparking wild celebrations.
Defending champions in the women’s draw, India routed Myanmar 5-0 in Group Y, building unstoppable momentum ahead of Thailand on Thursday.
Serving as Asia’s qualifier for the Thomas and Uber Cups in Denmark’s Horsens, BATC intensifies the battle for supremacy. India’s showing reaffirms their status as a powerhouse.