Daijiworld Media Network – Guwahati
Guwahati, Oct 14: Riding high on their first-ever mixed team bronze, India began their individual events campaign with an all-win record at the BWF Junior World Championships 2025 at the National Centre of Excellence in Guwahati on Monday.
With top-seeded players earning byes in the opening round, the rest of the Indian contingent got their first taste of the new 3x15 format being introduced for the first time at the world juniors. The young shuttlers described the format as “intense” but showed remarkable composure to stay unbeaten through the day.
Mizoram’s Lalthazuala Hmar kicked off India’s campaign in style, defeating Uganda’s Denis Mukasa 15-4, 15-4 in just 14 minutes. “This is my first time in World Juniors. It felt really amazing to play at this level. I hope to perform even better and aim for a medal,” said Hmar after the match.
In another boys’ singles clash, Hyderabad’s Gnana Dattu TT overcame early nerves to beat Hungary’s Milan Mesterhazy 5-15, 15-7, 15-7. “I was nervous in the first game. It took time to adjust to the European style of play. But once I settled, I was confident of winning,” he said.
Asian Junior Championships bronze medallist Vennala K made short work of Ireland’s Siofra Flynn, winning 15-1, 15-6 in the girls’ singles opener, while another Mizo player, Lalramsanga C, teamed up with Taarini Suri to beat Ireland’s Senan O’Rourke and Michelle Shochan 15-13, 15-9 in mixed doubles.
India’s other doubles pairs also advanced comfortably — Vansh Dev and Dianka Waldia beat England’s Anish Nair and Mia Fox 15-6, 15-11, while Vishnu Kedhar Kode and Keerthy Manchala defeated Ghana’s Obapomba Adu-Mintah and Moslena Ama Korama 15-7, 15-8.
The day’s closest match saw Sri Lanka’s Thidasa Weragoda edge out Malaysia’s Lim Boon Le 4-15, 15-8, 17-15.
The spotlight on Tuesday will shift to the girls’ singles event, where India’s top medal hopefuls Tanvi Sharma and Unnati Hooda — both seeded players — are set to open their campaigns, aiming to build on the country’s historic momentum.