NEW DELHI: The Indian men’s badminton team created history when they upset 14-time champions and holders Indonesia 3-0 to clinch their first ever Thomas Cup team title in Bangkok on Sunday.
The underdogs, who had not reached the last four stage of this prestigious tournament since 1979, had assured themselves of a medal by beating Malaysia on Thursday and then got the better of Denmark in the semi-finals with both matches going to the wire.
World No. 23 HS Prannoy had justified the selectors decision to pick him directly to the squad by winning both the deciding rubbers and remaining undefeated, especially the second against Rasmus Gemke of Denmark despite hurting his ankle in the opening game.
He was declared fit to play the fifth rubber again in the final but the likes of Lakshya Sen, the men’s doubles combination of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty and Kidambi Srikanth ensured that he could just put his foot up and enjoy the triumph.
“There are no words to describe my feeling after India’s title triumph. The selectors showed faith in the senior players and their form while the youngsters showed that they can step up and take responsibility. I am confident that this title triumph would only encourage young players to dream big but also be a new chapter for men’s badminton in the country,” said Sanjay Mishra, General Secretary, BAI
Given Indonesia’s doubles prowess, it was important for Sen to give them a winning start and the World Championships Bronze medallist did just that as he fought from a game down to beat Anthony Ginting 8-21, 21-17, 21-16 in an hour and five minutes.
And India Open champions Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty saved four match points in the second game before defeating Mohammed Ahsan and Kevin Sukamaljo 18-21, 23-21, 21-19 to make it 2-0 in India’s favour to set the stage for Srikanth to wrap up the final.
The former world No. 1, who completed the tournament without losing a single match, then came to the party as he clinched the opening game rather easily and then saved two game points in the second before getting the better of Jonathan Christie 21-15, 23-21 as the team launched into a frenzied celebrations.
BAI, I&B each announce Rs1cr cash awards for winning squad
BAI president Himanta Biswa Sarma and Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur separately announced Rs 1 crore cash awards after the historic triumph.
Sarma also announced prize money of Rs 20 lakh (Rs 2 million) for the support staff.
“It’s a very proud moment for Indian badminton. We have had many individual triumphs but winning the Thomas Cup crown is very special. This shows the depth of talent we have among the men and full credit to the players and coaching staff for giving their ultimate best through this week and beating some of the biggest badminton powerhouses on their way to the title win,” said Sarma.
“As #TeamIndia defeats 14-time #ThomasCup Champions Indonesia to win its 1?st ever #ThomasCup2022, @IndiaSports is proud to announce a cash award of ? 1 crore for the team in relaxation of rules to acknowledge this unparalleled feat! Congratulations Team India,” tweeted Thakur.
