Ningbo, China, 09 April (H.S.):

India’s campaign at the Badminton Asia Championships 2026 delivered a mixed bag on Thursday, with teenage sensation Ayush Shetty powering into the quarterfinals via a clinical straight-games victory, while Olympic medalist PV Sindhu and HS Prannoy exited in the round of 16.

The 20-year-old Ayush Shetty, ranked 25th globally, extended his dream run with a 21-16, 21-12 demolition of Chinese Taipei’s Chi Yu Jen in 41 minutes—his second consecutive straight-sets triumph after stunning China’s world No. 7 Li Shi Feng in the opener. Leveraging his height for potent smashes and exquisite net control, Ayush seized the first set after clawing back from 4-4 and 12-12 parity to lead 18-14. The second unfolded with a 4-0 blitz, peaking at 16-9 before a decisive backhand sealed it.

Awaiting in the quarters is Olympic gold medalist Jonatan Christie of Indonesia, pitting Ayush against a formidable test for semifinal glory.

Two-time Olympic medalist PV Sindhu’s comeback after two months faltered against China’s world No. 2 Wang Zhi Yi, succumbing 18-21, 8-21. Women’s singles hopes evaporated as Unnati Hooda fell 17-21, 9-21 to Japan’s Tomoka Miyazaki.

World Championships medalist HS Prannoy, nursing a shoulder injury, crashed 12-21, 19-21 to China’s Weng Hong Yang. Mixed doubles duo Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto also bowed out in straight games.

India’s remaining action features women’s doubles pair Priya Konjengbam and Shruti Mishra later Thursday.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar