India shuttlers begin with easy victory

India all but assured itself of a quarterfinal berth with a 5-0 thrashing of Vietnam in the opening group match of the Badminton Asia Youth Under-19 Championship on Saturday.

India all but assured itself of a quarterfinal berth with a 5-0 thrashing of Vietnam in the opening group match of the Badminton Asia Youth Under-19 Championship on Saturday.

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The Indian team management made a last minute decision not to rest junior national champion P V Sindhu after having a look at their opponents during the morning practice. But the cautious approach proved unfounded as Vietnam did not trouble any of their counterparts.

However, India’s chance of getting some valuable practice before their final group game against Iran had sent a six member – three boys and three girls – contingent for the tournament but since their players are not allowed to play mixed doubles, — which forms an integral part of a mixed team’s event — they decided to withdraw from the event, sources told Hindustan Times.

Kit Drama
Meanwhile, the Indian contingent had to participate in the opening ceremony on Friday evening without a proper kit since the Badminton Association of India failed to arrange for the same on time.

The kits finally arrived at noon on Saturday and players could take the court in the official India colour.