Bangkok [Thailand] June 23 (ANI): India delivered a standout efficiency on the AESF-sanctioned Pokemon UNITE Asia International Tournament, ending as runners-up after a powerful marketing campaign in a contest that includes 11 nationwide groups from throughout Asia.
The closed worldwide event, sanctioned by the Asian Electronic Sports Federation (AESF), featured 11 nationwide groups from throughout Asia, together with Hong Kong, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Nepal, in line with a launch.
The collaborating groups first competed within the on-line qualification stage on 14 June 2026. Delivering a powerful efficiency, Team India topped its group to safe qualification for the Grand Finals, which have been held in Bangkok, Thailand, on 21 June 2026.
Team India showcased resilience, strategic depth and composure all through the event to safe a spot within the Grand Finals and end second total.
Led by captain Adnan Mohammed Badshah, alongside Sai Krishna Nalluri, Dipjyoti Laxman Nath, Rudra Narayan Nayak, Reuben Godfrey Fernandes and Deepkumar Vipulbhai Patel, below the steering of coach Zeren Wang, the Indian aspect opened its marketing campaign with a 2-1 victory over Singapore in Round 1.
India then confronted Japan within the upper-bracket semifinals however fell brief towards the eventual event leaders, dropping into the decrease bracket. The workforce responded strongly by defeating Singapore as soon as once more to safe a spot within the Grand Finals and arrange a rematch towards Japan.
Facing the dominant Japanese aspect for a second time within the event, India displayed spectacular team-fight self-discipline and goal management, pushing the eventual champions in a hard-fought three-game Grand Finals sequence earlier than finally settling for a runner-up end.
‘It was an important event, and the matches have been extremely thrilling. We actually loved competing towards gamers from different nations and gaining precious expertise. We are wanting ahead to representing India on the Asian Games. A giant thanks to the Esports Federation of India for giving us this chance. We’ll proceed to work laborious and are available again even stronger subsequent time,’ mentioned India captain Adnan Mohammed Badshah.
The occasion additionally served as precious preparation for Sai Krishna Nalluri, Adnan Mohammed Badshah, Dipjyoti Laxman Nath, Rudra Narayan Nayak and Reuben Godfrey Fernandes, who’re additionally a part of India’s Pokemon UNITE squad for the upcoming Asian Games. Competing towards a few of Asia’s strongest groups supplied essential worldwide match expertise forward of the continental showpiece.
Congratulating the workforce on its efficiency, Lokesh Suji, Gen Secretary, Esports Federation of India (ESFI) and Vice President, Asian Esports Federation (AESF), mentioned, ‘Reaching the Grand Finals and ending runners-up in a area that includes a few of Asia’s best esports nations is a major achievement for the workforce. Their potential to bounce again after a setback towards Japan and battle their approach again into the ultimate displays the resilience and progress of Indian esports athletes. Such alternatives are invaluable as we proceed making ready our athletes to compete efficiently on the highest degree of continental competitors.’
The runner-up end marks one other encouraging end result for Indian esports on the continental stage and highlights the rising competitiveness of the nation’s Pokemon UNITE athletes towards Asia’s main groups. (ANI)