India Secure First-Ever Bronze at 2025 BWF World Junior Team Championships

India Clinch Historic Bronze at 2025 BWF World Junior Team Championships.

India’s inspiring campaign at the BWF World Junior Mixed Team Championships 2025 ended with a historic bronze medal, the country’s first-ever podium finish in the mixed-team event. The hosts’ memorable run came to a close after a hard-fought semifinal loss to defending champions Indonesia on Friday.

India had already made history a day earlier by defeating former champions Korea to secure their maiden medal in the competition — a breakthrough moment for Indian badminton.

In the semifinals, India went down 35-45, 21-45 to a strong Indonesian side that will now meet the winner of the other semifinal between China and Japan. Though the scoreline didn’t reflect it, India’s young team showed remarkable grit and determination throughout the contest.

The hosts made one change from their previous lineup, with Vishakha Toppo replacing Aanya Bisht in the mixed doubles. India started strongly as Bhargav Ram Arigela and Viswa Tej Gobburu earned a 9-5 win over Muhammad Rizki Mubarrok and Raihan Daffa Pramono in the boys’ doubles, giving the team early momentum.

In the girls’ singles, Unnati Hooda pushed Thalita Wiryawan in a close opening phase but couldn’t sustain the lead. World junior No. 1 Mohd Ubaidillah then outclassed Rounak Chouhan to hand Indonesia control of the tie. Despite a spirited effort from Lalramsanga and Vishakha Toppo in mixed doubles, Indonesia held firm to take the first set and carried that dominance into the second.

While Indonesia went on to secure their place in the final, India’s young shuttlers left the court with their heads held high. The bronze marks a significant milestone for the country’s junior program, highlighting the growing depth and competitiveness of Indian badminton at the world level.

The team will now shift focus to the individual events, beginning Monday, with confidence high after a trailblazing campaign.