India Vs Japan LIVE Score, Badminton Asia Team Championships 2026: Ayush Shetty Provides IND Lead

What a win to open the tie for India! Ayush Shetty has done it and he has given India a 1-0 lead in the tie against Japan. He defeats Kenata Nishimoto 21-11. Ayush came back from behind to win the first game, lost the second, but dominated in the third and gave now chance to Nishimoto. The likes of Satwik-Chirag, HS Prannoy and Kidambi Srikanth will be have the responsibility to utilise the lead in their favour.

Ayush Shetty gets his touch back in the start of the third set and pushes back Nishimoto to slip into a 11-6 lead at break. He has taken 7 consecutive points and established his lead. He will not want to let it go and give India a victorious start to the tie.

After a sloppy loss from a winning position in the first game, Nishimoto doesn't commit any more mistakes as he wins the second game 21-15 against Ayush Shetty. Ayush was trailing in the game from the earlier stages and Nishimoto never allowed the lead to slip way. The match now enters the third and the decider game.

Kenta Nishimoto collected himself well and has come back strong in the second game. He has not allowed Ayush to use his win in the first game to his advantage and raced to a 14-7 lead. Nishimoto held his lead even at the break. Ayush needs to bring out some spark to turn things around, just like the first game.

A brilliant performance from Ayush Shetty and he powers himself ahead in the opening game against Kenta Nishimoto. He was down 16-18, but then took five points in a row to take the game in his favour. He will be confident entering the next one now.

Ayush Shetty is standing up to the formidable Nishimoto in their men's singles match. The Indian shuttler is struggling at 16-18 in the first game.

Ayush Shetty has started his opening match against Japan's Kenta Nishimoto. The world no. 13 will be a tough one to crack for Ayush but the Indian shuttler will be hoping for a positive start.