Delhi : Indian women’s doubles pair Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand moved one step closer to securing a medal at the World Championships after storming into the quarterfinals with a commanding straight-game victory over Japan’s seventh-seeded Rin Iwanaga and Kie Nakanishi here on Thursday.
The unseeded Indian combination produced one of its most impressive performances of the tournament, defeating the world No. 7 Japanese pair 21-16, 21-12 in a contest that lasted just over half an hour. Treesa and Gayatri maintained control from the opening exchanges and never allowed their experienced opponents to settle into a rhythm.
The Indians were particularly effective in the rallies, combining sharp attacking play with disciplined defence. Once they established an early advantage, Treesa and Gayatri continued to put pressure on the Japanese pair, forcing errors and preventing them from building sustained momentum. The second game proved even more one-sided as the Indian duo raced ahead and closed out the match comfortably.
The victory is especially significant for Treesa and Gayatri, who have been working their way back to their best following Treesa’s injury. Their latest run at the World Championships underlines their determination to regain the consistency and ranking that saw them emerge as one of India’s leading women’s doubles combinations.
The pair has already enjoyed considerable success on the international circuit. Treesa and Gayatri reached the semi-finals of the prestigious All England Open in consecutive editions in 2022 and 2023, establishing themselves as a formidable force in world badminton. They also claimed a bronze medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Their performances helped them break into the world’s top 10 at the beginning of last year, further strengthening their reputation as one of India’s most promising women’s doubles pairs. Their achievements were also recognised with the Arjuna Award for 2025.
The quarterfinal appearance at the World Championships represents another important milestone for the duo as they attempt to translate their recent resurgence into a deep run at the global event. With a place in the last eight secured, Treesa and Gayatri are now just two victories away from a place in the final, while a win in the quarterfinal would guarantee them at least a bronze medal.
For a pair that has endured setbacks during its comeback, the manner of Thursday’s victory will provide considerable confidence. Rather than being drawn into a prolonged battle against the higher-ranked Japanese opponents, the Indians dictated the pace and finished the match in straight games.
Treesa and Gayatri will now turn their attention to the quarterfinals, where they will look to carry forward the momentum generated by their emphatic win. Their latest performance has once again highlighted the quality and potential of India’s women’s doubles programme on the biggest international stage.
With a medal now within touching distance, the Indian pair will hope to continue its impressive campaign and take another step towards a place on the World Championships podium.
