Team India gifted their home crowd the country’s first medal at the BWF World Junior Mixed Team Championships as they beat Korea in a quarterfinal of fluctuating fortunes.
India had to stage a come-from-behind effort after they fell behind in the first set. Unnati Hooda, playing the fifth match from 30-36 down, made up lost ground and nearly took her team ahead, but a netted serve gave Korea the first set at 45-44.
Team India celebrates after beating Korea
However, the Indians weren’t deflated, and smart tactical changes in men’s doubles – with C Lalramsanga substituting Viswa Tej Gobburu — worked in their favour. Lalramsanga also delivered in mixed doubles with both Vishakha Toppo and Aanya Bisht. With Rounak Chouhan holding the fort in men’s singles, women’s singles ace Unnati Hooda came in for her closing match in the next two sets with India ahead, and she calmly took the team home.
“I’m happy that we could win a medal but the tournament is not over yet,” said Hooda. “We put everything out there. We shouldn’t be satisfied yet and we should do better tomorrow.
“In the first set I closed down (Korea’s) lead but then I netted my serve. My teammates were supportive, they said just forget it and focus on the second set. I could calm because the match wasn’t over yet. I knew I had another chance, and practised my serve a few times. My coach (Park Tae Sang) was also supportive.”
Doubles coach Ivan Sozonov said the tactical change had made the difference.
“With this team we can reach any position in this championships. Now there’s no pressure. We’ve already made history.
“Two of our players played the first set — Aanya (Bisht) and Vishwa (Gobburu); they had some pressure, they struggled and were nervous, so we substituted them and it worked.
C Lalramsanga and Vishakha Toppo
“Unnati did a great job. Sanga (Lalramsanga) also. You decide who the MVP is. Unnati brought faith to the team and Korea spent a lot of energy.
“After the second game, the team spirit came up. Positive mind and support from everyone is more important than skills.
“I always thought Sanga was one of the talented players I’ve seen. Now I’m happy that whatever we expected of him is coming true.”
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