India sweep past Kazakhstan 3-0 to set up Asian Games badminton quarter-final against Japan

India’s women’s badminton team swept past Kazakhstan 3-0 in the Round of 16 at the Asian Games 2026, setting up a quarter-final clash against Japan and moving a step closer to a team medal.Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu gave India the lead with a comfortable 21-7, 21-9 win over Kamila Smagulova in 24 minutes. Unnati Hooda followed with a 21-7, 21-10 victory over Alissa Kuleshova in 22 minutes to put India within reach of the next round.World Junior Championships silver medallist Tanvi Sharma completed the clean sweep, defeating Diana Namenova 21-5, 21-10 in just 19 minutes.Japan challenge awaitsIndia will face Japan, who received a first-round bye, on Tuesday for a place in the semi-finals. A victory would assure India of a medal. The tie could feature several high-profile match-ups, including Sindhu against Akane Yamaguchi and Unnati against Tomoka Miyazaki. In doubles, Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand could face strong Japanese combinations.India’s women have won one Asian Games team medal—a bronze at the 2014 Incheon Games. At the 2023 edition, they exited in the quarter-finals after losing 0-3 to Thailand.Men’s team takes on BangladeshIndia’s men, who won silver at the previous edition, will face Bangladesh in the Round of 16 on Monday. A potential quarter-final against Japan could bring further tough contests, including Lakshya Sen against Kodai Naraoka and Ayush Shetty against Yushi Tanaka.At Hangzhou 2023, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty won India’s first Asian Games badminton gold, while HS Prannoy claimed bronze in men’s singles.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.