Badminton Asia Team Championship 2024: 17-year-old Anmol Kharb does it again, gets Indian victory over Japan to enter FINAL

The Indian women's team secured a historic victory by defeating Japan 3-2 in the five-match tie, thus advancing to the final of the Badminton Asia Team Championships 2024 for the first time. The clash in Shah Alam, Malaysia, witnessed an intense battle as the Indian shuttlers fought hard to secure their place in the gold medal match, having already secured their maiden medal at the event by reaching the semi-finals.

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The standout performers of the event were undoubtedly the doubles pair of Treesa Jolly-Gayatri Gopichand, along with the young talents Ashmita Chaliha and 17-year-old Anmol Kharb, who clinched crucial victories for the Indian team.

The tie commenced with PV Sindhu facing off against World No. 14 Aya Ohori. Despite a valiant effort, Sindhu succumbed to Ohori's exceptional play at the net, conceding defeat with a scoreline of 13-21, 20-22, thus giving Japan a 1-0 lead.

Following this, Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand took on the formidable duo of World No. 6 Nami Matsuyama and Chiharu Shida. The Indian pair displayed remarkable resilience, securing a hard-fought victory with scores of 21-17, 16-21, and 22-20, levelling the tie at 1-1.

In the crucial third rubber, Ashmita Chaliha faced off against the renowned Nozomi Okuhara, delivering a stellar performance to claim victory with scores of 21-17, 21-14, thus propelling India to a 2-1 lead over Japan.

However, the Indian team faced a setback in the second doubles match, as Tanisha Crasto's absence due to injury forced PV Sindhu to form an impromptu partnership with Ashwini Ponnappa. 

Despite their efforts, the Indian duo was defeated by Rena Miyaura and Ayako Sakuramoto, with scores of 21-14, and 21-11, bringing the tie level to 2-2.

With the fate of the tie hanging on the shoulders of 17-year-old Anmol Kharb, she took to the court to face World No. 29 Natsuki Nidaira in the deciding fifth match. 

Despite her world ranking of 472, Kharb showcased remarkable grit and skill, securing a convincing victory with scores of 21-14, and 21-18.

Kharb's win marked a historic moment as the Indian team reached the final of the Badminton Asia Team Championships for the first time. 

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