India in semis of Asian Jr TT

India's young assured themselves a medal by entering the semi-finals of the Junior Asian Table Tennis Championships in Bangkok for the first time in the history of the game.

The entry to the last-four stage has not only assured the four-member Indian team a bronze medal but also a straight entry into the World Junior Championships, to be held in Slovakia in December.

India outclassed DPR Korea 3-1 in the quarter-finals and will now take on the mighty China in the semis.

The Indians had earlier trounced Iran 3-0, Kazakhstan 3-0 and Sri Lanka 3-0 on their way to the last-eight stage.

In the first encounter of Thursday, G Sathyan lost to Kim-Jo Hyok 7-11, 9-11, 8-11. But S Ghosh defeated Choil Il 12-10, 11-8, 6-11, 12-10 to draw parity.

Later, Harmit Desai consolidated the position, humbling Kim Hyok Ju 11-7, 4-11, 11-8, 11-7.

G Sathyan downed Choil Il 11-5, 11-8, 11-7 in his reverse singles to give India an unassailable lead.

"The Indians put up a grand show against the Koreans whom we have beaten for the first time," team coach Sunil Babras said.

"Though the Chinese will be difficult to beat, the win against North Korean has given the boys a lot of confidence," Babras added.