New Delhi: The Indian women’s team defeated Ukraine 4-1 in their second group match to register their first win in the Uber Cup 2026 on Sunday, April 26. India bounced back to winning ways after suffering a crushing 2-3 defeat against Denmark in their group-stage opener in the competition. India kept their quarterfinal hopes alive with the much-needed victory.
After India opted to rest two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu from singles against Ukraine on Sunday, Unnati Hooda, Tanvi Sharma and Devika Sihag stepped up to win their respective singles matches to power the team to a 4-1 victory. Sindhu paired up with Tanisha Crasto in doubles, and the duo won their game against Marria Stoliarenko and Sofiia Lavrova.
No Sindhu, no problem for India
Despite Sindhu being rested, India dominated in singles to win all three of their singles games against Ukraine. 18-year-old Hooda gave India a commanding start in their second group tie by beating Polina Buhrova in straight games in her singles match. Hooda beat Buhrova 21-19, 22-20 to set the tone for India.
In the second singles contest, India’s Tanvi was up against Ukraine’s Yevheniia Kantemyr. Tanvi edged Kantemyr 21-12, 17-21, 21-10 in a hard-fought contest to make it 2-0 for India. She won the first game 21-12 comfortably before Kantemyr fought back to take the second game 17-21 and force a decider. Tanvi dominated the proceedings in the third game to win 21-10 and clinch the contest.
Devika Sihar made it three wins in the first three singles contests for India by beating Mariia Stoliarenko 23-21, 21-13 in straight sets. With an unassailable 3-0 lead, the Indian women’s team headed into the doubles matches high on confidence.
However, the Indian doubles pair of Kavipriya Selvam and Simran Singhi lost 11-21, 17-21 against Buhrova and Kantemyr in the first doubles match. Sindhu then combined with Crasto to get the better of Stoliarenko and Lavrova 21-18, 21-15 to wrap up a 4-1 win for India.