GUWAHATI: Assam’s Ashmita Chaliha delivered a sensational performance in the opening match of the Uber Cup, leading the Indian women's team to a commanding 4-1 victory over Canada on Saturday, April 27 in Chengdu, China. In the next singles match, Isharani Baruah solidified India's advantage by overcoming Wen Yu Zhang 21-13 21-12, giving the Indian team an insurmountable 3-0 lead.
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Chaliha's stunning win over higher-ranked Michelle Li set the tone for the team's impressive start to the tournament. Currently ranked 53rd in the world, Chaliha showcased exceptional skill and determination as she defeated world no.25 Michelle Li in a closely fought 42-minute singles match. Chaliha's 26-24 24-22 win was a significant upset over the seasoned Li, a gold and silver medallist at the 2014 and 2022 Commonwealth Games.
India's second point came from the young women's doubles pair of Priya Konjengbam and Shruti Mishra, who displayed their prowess by defeating Catherine Choi and Jeslyn Chow 21-12 21-10. Canada managed to secure their first point in the second women's doubles match, where Simran Singhi and Ritika Thaker fell to Jackie Dent and Crystal 19-21 15-21. However, India's Anmol Kharb sealed the victory for the team with a decisive 21-15 21-11 win over Eliana Zhang in the fifth and final match.
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The Indian women's team now faces tougher opponents in Group A, with matches against Singapore and China scheduled for Sunday and Tuesday, respectively. Meanwhile, in the Thomas Cup, India's men's team will begin their title defence against Thailand later in the day.
India has dispatched a contingent of 18 members, comprising 10 men and eight women, to compete in the Thomas and Uber Cup Finals scheduled from April 27 to May 5.
