Mandatory photo

Wen Yu Zhang:  India's young women's badminton team illuminated the courts here as it triumphed over Canada with a resounding 4-1 victory in the opening Group A tie of the Uber Cup on Saturday.

Led by the dynamic duo of Assam's Ashmita Chaliha and Isharani Baruha, along with Manipur's Priya Konjengbam, the Indian squad showcased its mettle despite the lack of international experience. The 17-year-old Anmol Kharb and Shruti Mishra (23) also showed their class on Saturday.

Ashmita, at 24, led the charge as the most experienced singles player, facing off against the seasoned Canadian star Michelle Li. She trailed 1-6, but the left-handed player soon closed the gap to 5-7, with a forehand winner and net kill. Ashmita soon ramped up the pace and claimed a 9-8 lead after playing a beautiful reverse slice drop and crosscourt smash. Yet, Li managed to nose ahead 11-10 at the mid-game break.