Indian badminton quarterfinal exits bring early setback
India endured a difficult start to September 27 at the Asian Games 2026 as two badminton doubles combinations were knocked out in their respective quarterfinals.
Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto produced a determined performance against China’s Feng Yan Zhe and Huang Dongping in the mixed doubles quarterfinal. The Indian pair lost the first game 14-21 but responded strongly in the second, winning 21-18 and forcing the contest into a deciding game.
Kapila and Crasto stayed in contention during the decider but were unable to complete the comeback, eventually losing 18-21. The result ended their mixed doubles campaign after a closely fought three-game contest.
There was disappointment in women’s doubles as well, with Gayatri Gopichand and Treesa Jolly losing to Malaysia’s Pearly Tan and Thinaah Muralitharan.
The Indian pair remained competitive in the opening game but went down 18-21. The Malaysian combination then controlled the second game and won it 21-9 to secure a straight-games victory and a place in the semifinals.
The two quarterfinal defeats shifted attention to India’s remaining badminton competitors and other medal events taking place across the day.
Manu Bhaker 25m pistol and India medal hopes take focus
Shooting is among the major events drawing Indian interest, with Manu Bhaker competing in the women’s 25m pistol alongside Esha Singh and Rahi Sarnobat. Bhaker is taking part in the precision stage on September 27 as India continues its shooting campaign in Aichi-Nagoya.
India also has medal opportunities across several other disciplines. Squash players Abhay Singh and Anahat Singh are among the prominent Indian athletes in action, while athletics features multiple competitors across track and field events.
Weightlifting, boxing, hockey, volleyball, archery, fencing, sailing and other sports also form part of India’s packed September 27 schedule. Harjinder Kaur is among those competing in weightlifting, while Indian athletes are involved in several athletics medal events during the day.
Although the badminton quarterfinal exits delivered an early setback, India still has several opportunities to strengthen its medal tally. The focus now turns to shooting, squash, athletics and other key events as the Indian contingent continues its Asian Games 2026 campaign in Japan.
