Guwahati, India – Medal hopefuls Tanvi Sharma and Unnati Hooda commenced their BWF World Junior Championships 2025 campaigns with convincing victories at the National Centre of Excellence in Guwahati on Tuesday. The top-seeded Sharma dominated Poland's Wiktoria Kaletka, securing a 15-2, 15-1 win in just 11 minutes. Meanwhile, eighth seed Hooda defeated Hong Kong's Liu Hoi Anna with a score of 15-8, 15-9 in 23 minutes. Rakshitha Sree also contributed to the positive start for India, overcoming Canada's Lucy Yang 15-5, 15-9.
In the boys' singles category, all four Indian players advanced to the next round. Rounak Chouhan, seeded 11th, defeated Sri Lanka's Thisath Rupathunga 15-3, 15-6. Suryaksh Rawat, seeded 15th, secured a 15-5, 15-8 victory against Yigitcan Erol of Turkiye. Lalthazuala Hmar defeated Rylan Tan of the USA with a score of 15-11, 15-5. Gnana Dattu TT joined his teammates in the round of 32 after beating Brazil's Joaquim Mendonca 15-10, 15-13. Dattu is set to face compatriot Suryaksh in the next round.
However, there was a setback for Vennala K, a bronze medalist at the Asian Junior Championships, who lost to fifth-seed Tonrug Saeheng of Thailand 6-15, 5-15.
In mixed doubles, the 14th-seeded pair of Bhavya Chhabra and Vishakha Toppo, along with C Lalramsanga and Taarini Suri, progressed to the next round.
The BWF World Junior Championships 2025 are taking place in Guwahati from October 6 to 19. The tournament began with the Suhandinata Cup, the mixed team event, followed by the Eye-Level Cup for individual matches. India won a historic bronze medal in the mixed team championships.
India is hosting the BWF World Junior Championships for the second time, with the first time being in 2008. The event has drawn young badminton players from around the world. Before participating, all players must complete anti-doping education.
