By Prarthana Hazarika
Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, Sept 22: Lakshya Sen’s remarkable recovery from 14-19 down in the deciding game against Japan proved to be the turning point in India’s commanding 3-0 victory in the men’s badminton team quarterfinals at the Asian Games 2026, according to Badminton Association of India (BAI) Secretary Sanjay Mishra.
In an exclusive conversation with The Meghalayan Express, Mishra underlined the significance of India’s straight-match victory over the hosts, describing Lakshya’s fightback as extraordinary and praising the collective effort that has taken the Indian men’s team within touching distance of the Asian Games podium.
India overcame host nation Japan in front of its home crowd to assure itself of at least a bronze medal and secure a place in the semifinals.
“Whenever you play a team event, the first match is extremely important. The entire team’s morale depends on whether you start on a winning note or find yourself under pressure. Lakshya’s recovery, especially after being 14-19 down in the third game, was extraordinary. The way he came back and produced those shots was remarkable,” Mishra told The Meghalayan Express.
The BAI secretary also emphasised that Lakshya’s performance was not an individual effort alone, with the rest of the Indian contingent playing an equally important role through its support from the sidelines.
“It was a complete team effort. The players on court were doing their job, but the entire team, including those sitting outside, was supporting them. That kind of encouragement makes a huge difference in a team event,” he said.
India’s momentum continued through the doubles combination of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, before young Ayush Shetty completed the 3-0 sweep against Japan.
Mishra had special praise for the experienced doubles pair, whom he described as India’s best, while also acknowledging Ayush’s composure in a closely contested second game.
“Satwik and Chirag, without a doubt, are already our best pair. They played brilliantly. Ayush is a junior, but he also showed tremendous quality. His second game was close, and there was a little anxiety, but he handled the situation very well and finished the match,” Mishra said.
“Winning 3-0 against Japan, especially in Japan, is a big victory. Everyone at BAI, the players and badminton lovers across the country are very happy. It is a matter of great pride that we have assured another medal for the country.”
‘The team is mentally and morally very strong’
With India now through to the semifinals, attention has shifted to the potential challenge posed by either South Korea or China, two formidable opponents in the race for the men’s team gold.
Mishra, who was following the other quarterfinal, said the Indian team was prepared for either opponent and had gained considerable confidence from its victory over Japan.
“Whether it is Korea or China, our players are ready to face either team. Both are very good sides, but our players are mentally and morally very strong. After beating Japan, the confidence within the team is very high,” he said.
“During the team meeting, the players were very confident. They were saying, ‘Sir, whoever comes, we have to win.’ That is the kind of mindset we want to see.”
India’s ambition, Mishra indicated, goes beyond merely securing a place on the podium. The team’s combination of quality singles players and a proven doubles pairing has strengthened its belief in the possibility of a gold-medal finish.
Team bonding key to India’s medal ambitions
For Mishra, however, India’s growing confidence is not just about individual performances or rankings. The bonding among the players, both on and off the court, has emerged as a significant factor in the team’s campaign.
He pointed to the way the players are supporting one another, discussing opponents and sharing insights into each other’s strengths and weaknesses as evidence of a healthy team environment.
“In a team event, the support of fellow players and the bonding within the team are extremely important. What I am seeing in this Indian team is very encouraging. They are supporting each other not only on the court but also off it,” Mishra said.
“They discuss each other’s weaknesses and strengths, analyse opponents and help one another. This is very good for the team and for Indian badminton as a whole.”
With the men’s team having secured a place in the semifinals, Mishra expressed optimism about India’s prospects in the next round.
“I think we can expect a good result tomorrow as well,” he said.
For Indian badminton, the emphatic victory over Japan has provided both a guaranteed medal and renewed belief. As the team prepares for the semifinals, the combination of Lakshya’s resilience, the experience of Satwik-Chirag and Ayush’s emerging talent has given India a strong foundation to pursue a place in the final.
