Asian Games 2023: PV Sindhu-led women's team crash out after losing 3-0 to Thailand in Badminton QF

The Indian women's badminton team, led by PV Sindhu, faced a tough challenge against Thailand, ultimately losing 0-3 in the quarterfinals and exiting the Asian Games on Friday.

The Thai team, featuring former world champion Ratchanok Intanon, world no. 12 Pornpawee Chochuwong, and world no. 17 Supanida Katethong, posed a formidable opposition for India.

Despite the daunting task, India struggled to mount a strong fight. Two-time Olympic medallist Sindhu was the only player to secure a game, battling in her 21-14 15-21 14-21 match against Chochuwong in the initial women's singles encounter.

Following this setback, the responsibility to revive India's chances rested on the shoulders of World number 17 Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand. However, they lost momentum and fell 19-21 5-21 to Jongkolphan Kittitharakul and Rawinda Prajongjai, ranked 10th, in the women's doubles.

In the third match, left-handed Ashmita Chaliha faced a defeat, with Busanan Ongbamrungphan winning 9-21, 16-21, thereby diminishing India's hopes of a medal.

The Indian women's badminton team had secured a bronze medal in the 2014 edition held in Incheon.

Later in the day, the men's badminton team, led by HS Prannoy, aims to secure India's first badminton medal in the 19th edition as they confront Nepal in the quarterfinals.

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