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Indian Shuttlers Shine on Day One of Dutch Junior International 2026

The Dutch Junior International 2026 kicked off in Haarlem with a strong showing from India's junior badminton players. Dev Ruparelia secured a straightforward victory over Lithuania's Rokas Lesinskas. His win sets up a next-round match against compatriot Pranit Somani, who won a tough three-game contest. Akhil Reddy Bobba also advanced with a dominant performance against his German opponent.

Key Points: Indian Juniors Advance at Dutch Junior International Badminton

  • Dev Ruparelia wins in straight games
  • Pranit Somani triumphs in three-game battle
  • Akhil Reddy Bobba dominates German opponent
  • All-Indian clash set for next round
1 min read

Positive opening day for India at Dutch Junior International 2026

Indian badminton players Dev Ruparelia, Pranit Somani, and Akhil Reddy Bobba secure wins on the opening day of the Dutch Junior International 2026.

"The Indian contingent enjoying a positive start as multiple men's singles players progressed. - Badminton Association of India"

Amsterdam, February 25

The Dutch Junior International 2026 commenced on Wednesday at the DEGIRO-hal in Haarlem, with the Indian contingent enjoying a positive start as multiple men's singles players progressed to the next round.

Dev Ruparelia registered a straight-games victory over Rokas Lesinskas of Lithuania, winning 21-15, 21-18 in a 29-minute contest.

He will next face fellow Indian Pranit Somani, who, after a hard-fought three-game battle against Christopher Kunckel of Denmark, secured a 21-13, 21-23, 21-11 win in 49 minutes, as per a press release from the Badminton Association of India (BAI).

Akhil Reddy Bobba also advanced comfortably, defeating Jarno Deters of Germany 21-11, 21-9.

Select results:

Dev Ruparelia bt Rokas Lesinskas (LTU) 21-15, 21-18

Pranit Somani bt Christopher Kunckel (DEN) 21-13, 21-23, 21-11

Akhil Reddy Bobba bt Jarno Deters (GER) 21-11, 21-9

Samuel Tamang bt Nils Barion (GER) 21-9, 21-9

Aanayan Borah bt Milan Zeisig (GER) 22-20, 21-19.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Akhil Reddy Bobba's scoreline is just dominant! 21-11, 21-9 against a German player is no small feat. These juniors are making us proud on European soil. Keep it up, boys!
A
Aman W
It's great to see the results, but I hope the BAI press release also talks about the girls' team? The article only mentions men's singles. Our women shuttlers are equally talented and deserve equal coverage.
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see so many matches against European players. Good exposure for our youngsters. The fact that Pranit and Dev will face each other next is a bit of a shame, but it guarantees one Indian in the later round!
V
Vikram M
Solid performances all around. Samuel Tamang and Aanayan Borah with convincing wins too! The depth in the junior squad is promising. Hope they can convert this start into medals. Chak De India!
K
Karthik V
The next match between Dev and Pranit will be a cracker! Two Indians, but only one can move forward. Tough draw, but it shows our strength. Best of luck to both – play your natural game.

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