Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: India’s young women’s badminton team bounced back strongly in the Uber Cup with a convincing 4-1 win over Ukraine, keeping their quarterfinal hopes alive. After a close loss to Denmark earlier, the team showed confidence and energy, with youngsters stepping up in a big way to deliver a dominant performance.India made a bold call by resting star player PV Sindhu in singles, giving a chance to rising players—and they grabbed it with both hands. Unnati Hooda got things started with a tight straight-game win over Polina Buhrova, setting the tone for the tie.Tanvi Sharma then extended India’s lead with a hard-fought three-game victory against Yevheniia Kantemyr. The biggest moment came from Devika Sihag, who sealed the tie with a confident win in the third singles, ensuring India took an unbeatable lead.India’s only loss came in the first doubles match, where Kavipriya Selvam and Simran Singhi went down in straight games. However, the team quickly recovered as Tanisha Crasto partnered Sindhu to win the final doubles match and complete the 4-1 scoreline.The victory gives India a much-needed boost after their opening defeat and keeps them in contention for a place in the knockout stage. However, their next challenge will be a tough one against defending champions China. A win in that match will be crucial if India want to move into the quarterfinals.Uber Cup Result:India beat Ukraine 4-1 (Unnati Hooda bt Polina Buhrova 21-19, 22-20; Tanvi Sharma bt Yevheniia Kantemyr 21-12, 17-21, 21-10; Devika Sihag bt Mariia Stoliarenko 23-21, 21-13; Kavipriya Selvam/Simran Singhi lost to Buhrova/Kantemyr 11-21, 17-21; Tanisha Crasto/Sindhu bt Sofiia Lavrova/Stoliarenko 21-18, 21-15).
