Indian badminton stars clinch crucial opening victory in Japan

Indian badminton stars Pramod Bhagat and Manisha Ramadass secured a thrilling victory in the Mixed Doubles SL3-SU5 Group A event at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Para Games. Competing in Japan, the duo faced intense resistance from Chinese shuttlers Lichuan Xiong and Tongtong Li before ultimately claiming the match.

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Hard-Fought Badminton Encounter

Both teams displayed tremendous skill and resilience during the back-and-forth contest. Bhagat and Ramadass claimed the opening game 21-16, but their opponents quickly retaliated to take the second game 19-21. Relying on their vast experience, the Indian athletes regained control in the final game, winning 21-16 to successfully conclude the tough early challenge. Hailing from Odisha, Bhagat carries the hopes of his home state and the entire nation as a highly decorated Paralympic champion. This early win creates positive momentum for the Indian sports contingent competing at this elite continental tournament.