India’s mixed doubles campaign at the Badminton Asia Championships 2026 saw mixed fortunes on Tuesday, with Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto emerging as the lone bright spot in Ningbo, China.

The duo held their nerve in a gripping three-game contest against Thailand’s Phuwanat Horbanluekit and Benyapa Aimsaard, registering a 21-14, 11-21, 21-15 victory that lasted 51 minutes. After taking the opening game comfortably, the Indian pair lost momentum in the second but bounced back strongly in the decider, showcasing composure at crucial moments to seal the win and keep India’s hopes alive in the category.

However, it was a disappointing day overall for the rest of the Indian contingent in mixed doubles, as two other pairs bowed out in the opening round.

Rohan Kapoor and Gadde Ruthvika Shivani put up a spirited fight but fell short against Malaysia’s eighth-seeded combination of Goh Soon Huat and Lai Shevon Jemie. The Indian pair lost 13-21, 19-21 in a 34-minute clash at the Ningbo Olympic Centre.

After a slow start in the first game, Kapoor and Shivani showed improved coordination and resistance in the second, pushing their higher-ranked opponents. However, the experienced Malaysian duo held firm in key moments to close out the match in straight games.

In another early-round exit, Ashith Surya and Amrutha Pramuthesh were defeated 16-21, 15-21 by Malaysia’s Wong Tien Ci and Lim Chiew Sien in a 31-minute encounter. Despite showing flashes of promise, the Indian pair struggled to maintain consistency during crucial phases, allowing their opponents to dictate play.

With mixed doubles action delivering limited success, India’s attention now turns to the singles events beginning Wednesday. All eyes will be on leading shuttlers P. V. Sindhu and Lakshya Sen, who are set to kick off their campaigns and carry the nation’s hopes forward in the tournament.

As the competition progresses, Kapila and Crasto remain India’s sole representatives in mixed doubles, aiming to build on their hard-fought opening win.