World Juniors: UAE Stun India to Enter Quarterfinals

United Arab Emirates achieved a milestone in their still nascent journey as they beat India 2-0 in the Group D playoff to make the quarterfinals of the VICTOR BWF World Junior Team Championships 2026.

UAE led India most of the way except for brief phases in the tie. UAE’s challenge was led by Riyan Malhan and Vaidehi Kalidasan, who played roles in singles and the paired events. The others – Adithya Kiran, Mysha Omer Khan and Sakshi Kurbkhelgi – too played vital roles to keep UAE ahead through most of the contest.

Adam Jeslin and Malhan in men’s doubles saw UAE through at the end of both sets to ensure the victory, 55-49 55-44.

“This is crazy big,” said UAE coach Michael Norbaek. “It’s not only a milestone; it’s a historic result for small UAE, with not that big a population, a very new federation. We have made great results over the last one and a half years but to go here with our junior team and win over India – this is crazy big for us.”

“It’s really big,” said UAE spearhead Malhan. “UAE beating India is a big result and it’s the first time we’ve qualified in the top eight. To make the quarterfinals as a small team means a lot to us.”

In the last eight, UAE face Indonesia, while in the top quarter, Malaysia take on Estonia.

Malhan and Jeslin in action against India.

» Two-time champions Indonesia survived a hard battle against Chinese Taipei and had to stage a comeback to top Group C. In a contest that was neck-and-neck all the way, Chinese Taipei took the opening set 55-54 but Indonesia pushed ahead midway through the second and eventually closed it out comfortably, 54-55 55-50 55-48.

» Denmark beat Korea in a highly-anticipated sub-group H2 tie, deflating the title chances of the three-time champions. Korea, fielding just four players, pushed Denmark hard, and were within sight until the last two matches. Filippa Pedersen partnered Athene Lyduch Thornild to take Denmark to 44-37 in the women’s doubles, and then with Mikkel Eilersen Bouet in the mixed doubles to take Denmark home at 55-41, making it 2-1 for the team.