India Cruise Past Sri Lanka to Seal Knockout Spot, Philippines Stun Hong Kong in BWF Junior Worlds

Hosts India continued their dominant run at the BWF World Junior Badminton Championships 2025, cruising to another convincing victory in Group H with a 45–27, 45–21 win over Sri Lanka on Tuesday. The triumph at the National Centre of Excellence kept the second seeds unbeaten and firmly on course to advance to the knockout stages of the Suhandinata Cup as group toppers.

While India’s victory came in expected fashion, the day’s biggest surprise unfolded in Group F, where the Philippines pulled off a stunning upset, edging Hong Kong 42–45, 45–28, 45–43 in one of the most dramatic encounters of the tournament so far.

Elsewhere, the sport’s traditional powerhouses were also in commanding form. Fourteen-time champions China swept aside England 45–22, 45–19 in Group D, while South Korea crushed debutants Bhutan 45–5, 45–17 in Group G, each registering their second win of the competition.

India, playing on the adjacent court to the Koreans, once again demonstrated the depth of their young squad. The coaching staff opted to rotate the lineup, giving several players their first outing of the tournament — yet the performance remained as assured as ever.

Lalthazuala Hmar gave India the perfect start, dismantling Keneth Aruggoda 9–2 in the boys’ singles, before Bhavya Chhabra and Mithileish P. Krishnan extended the advantage to 18–6 with a dominant doubles display against Sanuda Ariyasinghe and Thisath Rupathunga.

The only moment of concern came when Rakshitha Sree, playing the team’s relay-scoring format for the first time, fell behind Ranithma Liyanage 3–8 in the girls’ singles. However, she displayed admirable composure to win six of the next seven points, swinging the score to 36–21 before C. Lalramsanga and Taarini Suri sealed the opening set 45–27.

India made wholesale changes for the second set, with Rounak Chouhan leading the way. The new lineup maintained the same high standard, wrapping up the tie 45–21 to confirm another dominant win and their passage to the next stage.

In contrast, the Philippines’ victory over Hong Kong was anything but straightforward. Trailing 27–36 heading into the final set, Jamal Pandi and Ralph Nino Dalojo needed to win 18 points before their opponents could add nine. Under immense pressure, they delivered a flawless performance in the deciding men’s doubles, sealing the match 45–43 and sparking jubilant celebrations.

“It’s a huge result for Philippines badminton, and we are very grateful that we got the opportunity to train and play here,” said Philippines coach Escoses Lloyd, crediting a three-day BWF preparatory camp for the team’s success.

Reflecting on the moment, Pandi said, “We went into the final doubles match without any expectations but just focused on playing every point well.”

With India cruising and the Philippines making history, the second day of the Suhandinata Cup perfectly showcased the balance of dominance and drama that defines world junior badminton.