Guwahati, India – In a landmark achievement for Indian badminton, the nation's junior team secured their first-ever medal at the Badminton World Federation (BWF) World Junior Mixed Team Championships on Friday, October 10, 2025. Competing at the National Centre of Excellence in Guwahati, India, the team clinched a historic bronze medal after a valiant effort against defending champions Indonesia in the semi-finals.
The journey to the medal began with a thrilling quarter-final victory against South Korea on Thursday, October 9, 2025, where the young Indian shuttlers demonstrated remarkable resilience. After losing the opening set 44-45, the team rallied to win the next two sets 45-30 and 45-33, securing their place in the semi-finals and guaranteeing India's first-ever mixed team medal at the BWF World Junior Championships.
The quarter-final match against South Korea saw significant contributions from Unnati Hooda, whose composure and skillful play proved crucial. In addition, strategic tactical adjustments, including the substitution of C Lalramsanga for Viswa Tej Gobburu in the men's doubles, proved pivotal in shifting the momentum in India's favor. Lalramsanga also contributed in mixed doubles with Vishakha Toppo and Aanya Bisht. Rounak Chouhan held his ground in the men's singles.
In the semi-final clash against Indonesia, India fought hard but ultimately fell short, losing 45-35, 45-21. Despite the loss, the Indian team's performance was commendable, with Bhargav Ram Arigela and Viswa Tej Gobburu providing a strong start by defeating Indonesia's Muhmmad Rizki Mubarrok and Raihan Daffa Pramono 9-5 in the first set. However, Indonesia proved too strong, with Nastine and Riska Anggraini defeating Reshika U and Vennala K in the women's doubles, and Mubarrok and Pramono overpowering the Indian boys' doubles pair in the second set. In mixed doubles, Lalramsanga and Vishakha Toppo fought hard but were ultimately defeated by Ikhsan Pramudya and Rinjani Nastine.
The bronze medal represents a significant milestone for Indian badminton, showcasing the growing strength and depth of the country's junior program. This achievement marks the first time India has reached the semi-finals and secured a podium finish in the mixed-team category at the World Junior Championships. Previously, India's best performances at the junior level had come in individual events, with players like Lakshya Sen, Saina Nehwal, and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy making their mark.
Reflecting on the team's success, Unnati Hooda expressed her happiness and emphasized the importance of continued improvement. Doubles coach Ivan Sozonov highlighted the tactical changes that contributed to the victory against Korea and expressed confidence in the team's potential.
With the mixed team event concluded, the Indian players will now focus on the individual championships, which begin on Monday, October 13. The historic bronze medal at the BWF World Junior Mixed Team Championships serves as a major boost for the team and a testament to the rising talent in Indian badminton.
