In an electrifying five-match quarterfinal contest that held spectators spellbound, the Indian men’s badminton team staged an astonishing comeback to overcome host nation Japan 3-2 at the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya. Facing an early deficit after the opening singles rubbers, the Indian squad demonstrated immense tactical resilience to claw their way back into contention.
The catalyst for the turnaround was a heroic performance by Commonwealth Games champion Lakshya Sen, who rallied from a set down in the deciding singles rubber to outmaneuver his Japanese opponent with breathtaking court coverage, steep smashes, and delicate net drops. Supported by a thrilling three-game victory from India’s frontline doubles pairing, Sen held his nerve in the climactic third set to seal the historic tie.
The hard-fought triumph guarantees the Indian men’s squad a prestigious podium finish and propels them into the continental semifinals. National coaching staff commended the players for their extraordinary mental fortitude, noting that overcoming the home favorites in front of a partisan crowd represents one of the finest team victories in Indian badminton history.
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Sources:
https://www.thehindu.com/sport/asian-games-2026-live-updates-on-september-22-2026/article71492964.ece