In their second Group D match at the Badminton Asia Mixed Team Championships 2025 in Qingdao, China, India fought hard but lost to South Korea on Thursday. India lost the match 2-3 despite strong comebacks by Gayatri Gopichand and Treesa Jolly in the women’s doubles and Sathish Kumar Karunakaran in the men’s singles.

This game was vital in deciding the group winner since both clubs had already guaranteed their spots in the knockout round. India had a rough start after losing their matches against women’s singles player Malvika Bansod and mixed doubles duo Dhruv Kapil and Tanisha Crasto.

South Korea eventually secured the tie, and even though India was able to rally back into contention with two straight victories, it wasn’t enough to fully change the tide. India makes it to the knockout stage in spite of the defeat.

Sathish, a double gold winner at the National Games, got India back into the game by beating Cho Geonyeop 17-21, 21-18, and 21-19 while maintaining composure.

After defeating Kim Min Ji and Kim Yu Jung 19-21, 21-16, and 21-11 to set the tie score 2-2, Gayatri and Treesa, the world no. 9 duo, then gave hope of an Indian victory.

Once again, Indian changed their men’s doubles lineup, starting MR Arjun and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy against Jin Yong and Na Sung Seung. After struggling to establish a rhythm in the first game, Satwik and Arjun put up a strong fight against their opponents in the second game, ultimately losing 25–23.

India lost 2-3 against South Korea (Malvika Bansod lost to Sim Yu Jin 9-21, 10-21; Satish Karunakaran bt Cho Geonyeop; Dhruv Kapila/Tanisha Crasto lost to Ki Dong Ju/Jeong Na Eun 21-11, 12-21, 15-21). MR Arjun/Satwiksairaj Rankireddy lost to Jin Yong/Na Sung Seung 14-21, 23-25; Gayatri Gopichand/Treesa Jolly bt Kim Min Ji/Kim Yu Jung 19-21, 21-16, 21-11.