Indian women cruise past Ukraine 4-1 to keep Uber Cup hopes alive, meet China next

The Indian opted to rest star player PV Sindhu in the singles, but they still were strong enough to cruise to a 4-1 win over Ukraine in their second Group A clash in Horsens, Denmark. The win kept the Indian hopes alive in the Uber Cup 2026.

India began the contest with Unnati Hooda, who is ranked 23rd in the singles. Unnati carved out a hard-fought 21-19, 22-20 win over Ukraine’s top-ranked singles player Polina Buhrova, who is ranked 41 in the world.

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Then Tanvi Sharma, who won silver at the BWF Junior World Championships last year, doubled India’s lead in the Uber Cup tie by beating Yevheniia Kantemyr 21-12, 17-21, 21-10.

Instead of Sindhu, Thailand Masters 2026 champion Devika Sihag played the third singles. She defeated Mariia Stoliarenko 23-21, 21-13.

Devika Sihag, who played the singles instead of PV Sindhu, defeated Mariia Stoliarenko 23-21, 21-13. Pics: Badminton Photo

However, the first doubles pair suffered a loss. Kavipriya Selvam and Simran Singhi lost 21-11, 21-17 against Buhrova and Kantemyr.

Sindhu and Paris 2024 Olympian Tanisha Crasto then completed the 4-1 victory with a 21-18, 21-15 win over Stoliarenko and Sofiia Lavrova.

Indian men begin with 4-1 win over Canada; women go down to hosts Denmark 3-2

India had lost their opening tie against Denmark 3-2 and will now face defending champions, the People’s Republic of China, in their last group match on Monday. It will be a must-win clash for the Indian women The two top teams from the group of four advance to the quarterfinals.

India women have won two bronze medals at the Uber Cup in the past, having made the semifinals in 2014 and 2016.