Indian women shuttlers achieved a historic milestone by advancing to their first-ever final at the Badminton Asia Team Championships, defeating two-time former champions Japan 3-2 in an intense semifinal on Saturday.
The world No. 23 pair of Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand, world No. 53 Ashmita Chaliha, and the 17-year-old Anmol Kharb secured crucial victories in the first doubles and second and deciding singles, securing India's spot in the summit clash.
The team is set to face Thailand in the final on Sunday.
Despite missing their world No. 4 Akane Yamaguchi and other top-ranked players, Japan presented a formidable challenge. In the first singles match, returning from an extended injury layoff, Sindhu faced a tough contest against left-handed Aya Ohori, ultimately losing 13-21, 20-22.
The duo of Treesa and Gayatri, playing in the first doubles, displayed an exceptional performance, defeating world No. 6 Nami Matsuyama and Chiharu Shida 21-17, 16-21, 22-20 in a 73-minute battle, leveling the score at 1-1.
In a surprising turn, Ashmita Chaliha, ranked world No. 53, took on former world champion Nozomi Okuhara and secured a remarkable 21-17, 21-14 victory, giving India a 2-1 lead.
Facing a challenge with Tanisha Crasto's injury, Sindhu partnered with Ashwini Ponnappa but couldn't overcome the world No. 11 pair of Rena Miyaura and Ayako Sakuramoto, losing 14-21, 11-21 in 43 minutes.
With the rubber tied at 2-2, the responsibility fell on Anmol to face world No. 29 Natsuki Nidaira. Anmol rose to the occasion, claiming a 21-14, 21-18 victory in 52 minutes.
The Indian women's team's final appearance raises hopes for a historic gold in the continental championship, as India had previously secured two bronze medals in the men's team event in the 2016 and 2020 editions.