India gets bronze in women's badminton team event at Asian Games

Saina Nehwal

Indian women had to settle for the bronze medal after being humbled by South Korea in the semi-finals of the team event at Incheon, South Korea. The home nation had the support of the crowd and eventually ran out 3-1 winners over the Indian shuttlers.

India started the tie with promise as Saina Nehwal beat Jihyun Sung of South Korea 21-12, 10-21, 21-9 to give India a 1-0 lead. P.V. Sindhu then faced Yeonju Bae in the second singles game. Sindhu had a bright start and took the game 21-14. However, it all went south from then onwards. Bae picked up her game and took the second and third set 21-18 and 21-13 to win the match and level the tie at 1-1.

In the doubles match, Sikki Reddy Nelakurthi and Pradnya Gadre lost in straight sets (21-16, 21-17) to Kim Soyeong and Chang Yena. India’s hopes rested on PC Thulasi in the fourth match of the tie. Kim Hyomin swept aside the Indian player 21-12, 21-8 to give hand India defeat and the bronze medal in the event.