Thomas & Uber Cup 2024: Indian Women's Team Falls to Japan In Quarterfinal To End Campaign

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New Delhi, May 2: Despite showcasing potential and skill for the future, the youthful Indian women's team concluded their Thomas & Uber Cup 2024 campaign in Chengdu, China, at the quarterfinal stage with a 0-3 loss against former champions Japan on Thursday (May 2).

In the absence of seasoned players, reaching the quarterfinals with convincing wins over Canada and Singapore serves as a significant achievement for this emerging squad.

In the opening singles match, Ashmita Chaliha displayed resilience against World No. 11 Aya Ohori. Despite saving a match point and leading 11-9 in the decider, Chaliha eventually succumbed to Ohori's experience, conceding the match 21-10, 22-24, 21-15 in a gripping encounter lasting an hour and seven minutes.

Reflecting on her performance, Ashmita said that having suffered a heavy defeat to her opponent in the Syed Modi International, she approached the match with the determination to give her best but some errors in the crunch moments of the third game cost her.

Japan extended their lead as the world No. 4 duo, Nami Matsuyama and Chiharu Shida, secured a comprehensive 21-8, 21-9 victory over national champions Priya Konjengbam and Shruti Mishra.

In the final singles match, Isharani Baruah exhibited glimpses of her talent, maintaining parity with former world champion Nozomi Okuhara and even leading 14-11 in the first game. However, Okuhara's experience turned the tide, as she clinched victory with a scoreline of 21-15, 21-12, propelling Japan into the semifinals.

The Indian men's team, defending their Thomas Cup title, will encounter hosts China in their quarterfinal clash later in the day.

Outcome: India lost to Japan 0-3 (Ashmita Chaliha lost to Aya Ohori 10-21, 22-20, 15-21; Priya Konjengbam/Shruti Mishra lost to Nami Matsuyama/Chiharu Shida 8-21, 9-21; Isharani Baruah lost to Nozomi Okuhara 15-21, 12-21)