PV Sindhu leads India to 3-0 win over Kazakhstan in Asian Games women's team Round of 16

PV Sindhu struck first as India defeated Kazakhstan 3-0 in the women's team Round of 16 at Aichi-Nagoya on Sunday, completing the tie without either doubles pairing taking the court. None of India's three singles matches lasted beyond 25 minutes, and the side wrapped up a straight-games victory to advance.

Sindhu opened the tie with a 21-7, 21-9 win over Kamila Smagulova, needing just 20 minutes. Unnati Hooda followed by beating Alissa Kuleshova 21-7, 21-10. Tanvi Sharma closed out the singles rubbers with a 21-5, 21-10 victory over Diana Namenova.

With the singles sweep, India sealed the tie 3-0 and did not require their doubles combinations to play. The second doubles pairing of Kavipriya Selvam and Simran Singhi and the first pair of Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand Pullela were not used. All three singles wins came in straight games.

India have won just one medal in the women's team event at the Asian Games, a bronze at the 2014 edition. Breaking new ground in the event will demand improved performances in the later rounds.

For India to progress further, Sindhu and the Treesa-Gayatri combination are likely to be crucial, while Unnati Hooda or Tanvi Sharma will need to contribute a win in the remaining singles rubber. The team will face a tougher test in the next stage of the competition.

India now prepare for the quarter-finals, where they will meet Japan on September 22 with a place in the medal rounds at stake. Meanwhile, the Indian men's team will begin its Asian Games campaign against Banglades in Nagoya on Monday.