In a hard‑fought final at Ichinomiya, Thulasimathi Murugesan fell 18‑21, 11‑21 to Yang Qiuxia, taking silver.
Yet the 24‑year‑old had shown why she’s world No. 2, rallying from a game down to beat compatriot Manisha Ramdass 19‑21, 21‑15, 21‑13.
And the mixed‑duo with Nitesh Kumar already has a moment to brag, having sliced through China’s Li Mingpan and Xiao Zuxian in a 42‑minute semi‑final.
Now in the women’s doubles, she’ll face the same Yang, this time partnered with Xiao Zuxian—a rematch with a twist.
Coach Pullela Gopichand praised her composure, calling her a “tireless fighter”—and the Arjuna Award only fuels her fire. The next match looms at 10:30 am, and a gold would seal her Asian Games legacy.