The young Indian women’s team gained a significant confidence boost with an emphatic 4-1 win over European Championships bronze medallists Ukraine in their second Group A encounter, bouncing back strongly after a narrow 2-3 defeat to hosts Denmark in the opener.
The youngsters stepped onto the court with clear intent on Saturday, with Unnati Hooda setting the early momentum as India delivered a spirited all-round display to secure their first victory of the campaign in convincing fashion.
India chose to rest former world champion PV Sindhu in the singles line-up, giving 2026 Thailand Masters champion Devika Sihag an opportunity in the third singles — and the youngster rose to the occasion impressively.
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Unnati Hooda got India off to a strong start with a hard-fought 21-19, 22-20 win over Polina Buhrova. Junior World Championships silver medallist Tanvi Sharma then extended the lead by overcoming Yevheniia Kantemyr 21-12, 17-21, 21-10.
Devika Sihag subsequently sealed the tie in dominant fashion, ensuring victory with a 23-21, 21-13 triumph over Mariia Stoliarenko. India’s only setback came in the first women’s doubles match, where Kavipriya Selvam and Simran Singhi went down 11-21, 17-21 to the Ukrainian pair of Buhrova and Kantemyr. However, Sindhu returned to partner Tanisha Crasto in the second doubles, and the duo wrapped up the tie with a 21-18, 21-15 win over Stoliarenko and Sofiia Lavrova.
India will next face formidable defending champions China in their final group fixture on Monday, with a victory crucial to keeping their hopes alive of advancing to the quarterfinals.
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