Hmar, Vennala spark India’s strong start at World Juniors

Indian shuttlers made a resounding start to the individual events at the BWF World Junior Championships on Monday, with Lalthazuala Hmar and Vennala K leading the way with commanding victories. Riding high on their team event success, the Indian juniors displayed sharp skills and determination, signaling strong prospects in the singles competitions.

Fresh from helping India clinch a historic bronze medal in the team championships, the seeded players enjoyed byes in the opening round. The others, however, had to battle early to set the tone for their campaigns at the National Centre of Excellence.

Mizoram’s Lalthazuala Hmar was first into action and made a quick statement, dismissing Uganda’s Denis Mukasa 15-4, 15-4 in just 14 minutes. Hmar’s flawless display underlined his readiness to take on tougher opposition in the rounds ahead.

Later, 17-year-old Gnana Dattu TT overcame a nervous start to edge past Hungary’s Milan Mesterhazy 5-15, 15-7, 15-7 in boys’ singles. “This is my first World Juniors, and I was nervous in the first game. Facing a European player also required adjusting to a different style. But once I got my rhythm in the second game, I was confident I could win,” said Dattu, who will face Brazil’s Joaquim Mendonca in the next round.

In girls’ singles, Asian junior championships bronze medallist Vennala K showcased her class, overpowering Ireland’s Siofra Flynn 15-1, 15-6. The Hyderabad-born shuttler’s dominance reinforced India’s strength in the women’s draw.

Elsewhere, China’s Liu Si Ya had to dig deep for a 15-10, 15-13 victory over Japan’s Yurika Nagafuchi, while Brazil’s Bruno Alonso impressed in a 15-9, 15-7 loss to China’s Xiao Gao Bo. Sri Lanka’s Thidasa Weragoda staged a thrilling comeback to defeat Malaysia’s Boon Le Lim 4-15, 15-8, 17-15.

With seeded Indian players set to begin their campaigns from Tuesday, all eyes will be on girls’ singles stars top seed Tanvi Sharma, eighth seed Unnati Hooda, and experienced Rakshitha Sree as India looks to convert a strong start into deep runs in the tournament.