Asian Games badminton: PV Sindhu stars as India hammer Kazakhstan, reach quarters

India made a comfortable start to their Asian Games women's team badminton campaign, cruising past Kazakhstan 3-0 in the Round of 16 in Aichi-Nagoya on Sunday. None of India's three singles matches lasted beyond 25 minutes as the women's team wrapped up a straightforward victory without needing either of their doubles pairs to take the court.

PV Sindhu set the tone in the opening rubber, brushing aside Kamila Smagulova 21-7, 21-9. The former world champion needed just 20 minutes to put India 1-0 ahead.

Unnati Hooda then extended India's lead with another commanding performance, defeating Alissa Kuleshova 21-7, 21-10. Tanvi Sharma completed the job in the third singles rubber, beating Diana Namenova 21-5, 21-10.

With India sealing the tie 3-0, the second doubles



pairing of Kavipriya Selvam and Simran Singhi, and the first pair of Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand Pullela, were not required.

The victory sets up a much sterner quarter-final challenge against Japan on September 22, with a place in the medal rounds at stake.

India have won just one medal in the women's team event at the Asian Games, a bronze at the 2014 edition. Breaking new ground will require a significant step up against a strong Japanese side.

For India to advance, Sindhu and the Treesa-Gayatri combination are likely to be crucial, while Unnati or Tanvi will need to contribute a win in the remaining singles rubber.

Meanwhile, the Indian men's team will begin its Asian Games campaign against Banglades in Nagoya on Monday.