October 7: The United Arab Emirates scripted a landmark moment in their emerging badminton journey, defeating India 2-0 in the Group D playoff to storm into the quarterfinals of the VICTOR BWF World Junior Team Championships 2026.
UAE held the upper hand for most of the tie, overcoming brief periods of resistance from India to seal a historic victory and secure a place among the tournament’s top eight teams.
The UAE challenge was spearheaded by Riyan Malhan and Vaidehi Kalidasan, who contributed across singles and paired events. Adithya Kiran, Mysha Omer Khan and Sakshi Kurbkhelgi also played crucial roles as the UAE maintained its advantage through the contest.
The decisive moment came in the men’s doubles, where Adam Jeslin and Malhan held their nerve at the end of both sets to complete the UAE’s 2-0 victory, winning 55-49, 55-44.
“This is crazy big,” UAE coach Michael Norbaek said after the historic win.
“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.”
For Malhan, the result was equally significant as the UAE achieved a first-ever qualification for the quarterfinal stage of the World Junior Team Championships.
“It’s really big,” Malhan said. “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.”
The victory marks a major breakthrough for UAE badminton on the world junior stage, with the team now preparing for a place in the last eight of the prestigious championship.
