Hangzhou: PV Sindhu-led Indian women’s team beat Mongolia 3-0 to enter into the quarterfinals of the Asian Games 2023 badminton women’s team event here on Thursday.
The Indian team, comprising two-time Olympic medallist Sindhu, Ashmita Chaliha and Anupama Upadhyaya, will play Thailand next on Friday for a spot in the semifinals.
Sindhu opened the tie by defeating Ganbaatar Myagmartseren 21-2, 21-3 in just 20 minutes to give India 1-0 lead. Chaliha beat Kherlen Darkhanbaatar 21-2, 21-3 in the second match to put India 2-0 ahead. Anupama then made it 3-0 for India with a 21-0, 21-2 victory over Khulangooto Baatar to wrap up the tie.
The Indian women’s team will play Thailand next in the quarterfinals on Friday.
The Indian men’s team, meanwhile, will be in action on Friday after receiving a first round bye. The team featuring HS Prannoy, Kidambi Srikanth and Lakshya Sen will face Nepal or Mongolia in the quarter-finals. A spot in the semi-finals will guarantee a medal for the Indian badminton teams.
The badminton team events will continue till October 1. The singles, doubles and mixed doubles events start from October 2.
The Indian badminton players are eyeing their first Asian Games gold medal at Hangzhou 2023. At the last edition, Jakarta 2018, India returned with one silver and one bronze, making it their best-ever show in badminton at the continental showpiece.
