Indian sports wrap, November 15: Karnataka, TN shine in badminton junior nationals

Tamil Nadu’s shuttlers pose with the 49th Junior National Championships trophy. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

BADMINTON

Karnataka boys, Tamil Nadu girls crowned champions in 49th Junior Team Championships

Karnataka boys and Tamil Nadu girls were crowned champions in the 49th Junior National Badminton Championships with comfortable 2-0 wins over their respective opponents.

With both defending champions Mizoram boys and Telangana girls failing to qualify for the Inter-Zonals, the titles were up for grabs.

In the finals, Karnataka defeated Assam 2-0 while Tamil Nadu girls got the better of last edition silver medallist Delhi 2-0.

In the girls’ team final, 2025 Asian Under-17 girls singles champion Diksha SR gave Tamil Nadu a winning start as she defeated Rishika Nandi 15-12, 15-12. The women’s doubles combination of Ananya Arun and Anjana Manikandan then sealed the victory with a 16-14, 12-15, 15-10 lead over Nandi and Ishita Negi.

The men’s singles final saw Hardik Divyansh defeat 2023 Asian U-15 champion Bornil Changmai. The formidable combination of Pavan and Punith Suresh then got the better of Changmai and Aanayan Borah 9-15, 15-10, 7-15 to clinch the crown.

RESULTS

Boys U-19: Karnataka bt Assam 2-0 (Hardik Divyansh bt Bornil Changmai 18-16, 15-6; Pavan Suresh/Punith Suresh bt Aanayan Borah/Changmai 15-9, 10-15, 15-7)

Girls U-19: Tamil Nadu bt Delhi 2-0 (Diksha SR bt Rishika Nandi 15-12, 15-12; Ananya Arun/Anjana Manikandan bt Nandi/Ishita Negi 16-14, 12-15, 15-10)