Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand are guaranteed a medal at the BWF Worlds 2026 (Img: X)
New Delhi: Indian badminton duo Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand scripted history at the BWF World Championships 2026 by ending India’s 15-year wait for a women’s doubles medal. The pair produced a stunning comeback victory over China’s fourth-seeded duo Jia Yi Fan and Zhang Shu Xian to book their place in the semi-finals.
The Indian pair fought back after losing the opening game to win the thrilling quarter-final clash 16-21, 21-15, 21-13, guaranteeing India a women’s doubles medal at the prestigious tournament for the first time since Ashwini Ponnappa and Jwala Gutta’s bronze in 2011.
The victory marked a major milestone for Indian badminton. Despite India winning medals consistently at the BWF World Championships since 2011, the women’s doubles category had remained a challenge for more than a decade.
Treesa and Gayatri changed that with a determined performance against one of the tournament’s strongest pairs. Their victory ensured that India will once again stand on the women’s doubles podium at the World Championships.
The quarter-final did not begin in India’s favour. Jia Yi Fan and Zhang Shu Xian raced to an early lead with their powerful attacking game and controlled the first half of the opening game.
Treesa and Gayatri struggled initially but gradually found their rhythm. The Indian duo fought back with aggressive smashes, better net play and long rallies, reducing the gap before the Chinese pair eventually closed the first game 21-16.
The second game saw a completely different Indian team on court. Treesa and Gayatri showed greater confidence and refused to allow the Chinese pair to dominate.
The Indian duo stayed composed during long rallies and took control of crucial points. Their attacking approach helped them win the second game 21-15, forcing a deciding third game.
The final game became a battle of nerves as both pairs fought for every point. With strong support from the home crowd, Treesa and Gayatri maintained their composure under pressure.
The Indian pair kept increasing the intensity and eventually sealed the deciding game 21-13, completing a memorable comeback victory.
The win was even more special because Treesa and Gayatri had lost all three of their previous meetings against Jia Yi Fan and Zhang Shu Xian.
However, on the biggest stage, the Indian duo overcame their past defeats and delivered one of the finest performances of their careers.
With a medal already assured, Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand will now enter the semi-finals with confidence and the opportunity to fight for a place in the final.
Their historic run has not only ended a long wait for Indian women’s doubles badminton but has also strengthened India’s growing presence on the world stage.
