Lakshya, Ayush, Srikanth register commanding victories as Indian shuttlers march into Asian Games quarter-finals

India began its men’s badminton team campaign at the Asian Games 2026 with a clean sweep, defeating Bangladesh 3-0 after winning all three singles matches. Lakshya Sen, Ayush Shetty and Kidambi Srikanth delivered straight-game victories to send India into the quarterfinals.Lakshya, Ayush, Srikanth seal the clean sweepLakshya Sen set the tone with a dominant 21-4, 21-12 victory over Ayman Ibn Jaman in the opening match. He controlled the rallies from the outset to put India 1-0 ahead. Ayush Shetty followed with another emphatic performance, defeating Gourab Singha 21-4, 21-13 to extend India’s lead to 2-0 and move the team within one match of victory.With India needing just one more win to clinch the tie, experienced shuttler Kidambi Srikanth stepped up against Al Amin Jumar. Srikanth secured a 21-15, 21-9 win to complete India’s 3-0 sweep. The three singles victories meant the doubles matches were not required.Japan could await India in quarterfinalsIndia, who won silver in the men’s team event at the previous Asian Games, will now turn their attention to the quarterfinals. Japan could be their next opponent, setting up a potentially challenging test as India continue their bid for a team medal.India women’s team also reach quarterfinalsIndia’s women’s badminton team swept Kazakhstan 3-0 in the Round of 16 to book a quarter-final clash against Japan. PV Sindhu, Unnati Hooda and Tanvi Sharma won their singles matches in straight games, with a victory over Japan guaranteeing India a medal. India have won one women’s team medal at the Asian Games, a bronze in 2014, and exited in the quarter-finals in 2023.Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news, check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.