Indian shuttlers Tanisha Crasto and Dhruv Kapila’s inspiring run at the BWF World Championships came to an end as they narrowly missed out on what could have been a historic medal in the mixed doubles category. The duo, who had turned heads with their spirited performances throughout the tournament, fell short in the quarterfinals against a higher-ranked pair on Thursday.
Crasto and Kapila, who came into the tournament as underdogs, showcased exceptional resilience and teamwork, stunning some of the top-seeded pairs on their way to the last eight. Their aggressive play, sharp net exchanges, and never-say-die attitude had raised hopes of India clinching its first-ever medal in mixed doubles at the World Championships.
However, the quarterfinal proved a step too far. Despite starting strong and pushing their opponents to long rallies, unforced errors and missed opportunities in crucial moments tilted the match away from the Indians. The duo eventually went down in straight games, but not without a fight that earned them applause from fans and fellow players alike.
For Indian badminton, Crasto and Kapila’s run is seen as a significant breakthrough. While India has had success in men’s singles and women’s doubles at the World Championships, the mixed doubles discipline has remained elusive. Their quarterfinal finish marks a strong foundation for the future, showing that India has the talent and temperament to compete at the highest level in this category.
After the match, Tanisha Crasto expressed pride in their campaign, saying, “We fought hard, and although we’re disappointed not to get the medal, we’re happy with how far we’ve come. This motivates us to push even harder for future tournaments.” Dhruv Kapila echoed her sentiment, thanking supporters and vowing to return stronger.
With their fearless approach and rapid improvement, the young pair has undoubtedly emerged as one of the brightest hopes for Indian badminton. While the medal slipped away this time, their journey at the World Championships has inspired belief that it’s only a matter of time before India breaks new ground in mixed doubles.
