Dreamy day of drama for India; great depth takes a team to a new high at Thomas Cup.
In a performance that followed, the Indian men’s badminton team won the Thomas Cup title on Sunday, beating the Indonesian powerhouse with a 3-0 degree victory. This historic victory will improve the country’s position in sports.
World Champions Lakshasen, Kidambislicance, Doubles Chiragsetti and Satwick Syrajilan Kireddy played an essential role as they surprised the 14th champion and won the prestigious team championship for the first time.
An incredible week culminated suitably for Indian badminton as the country had never reached the summit clash of the world’s most prestigious team event before.
The underdog Indian side had not even reached the last-four stage since 1979, and formidable upset Malaysia and Denmark en route to the summit clash.
After being off-colour in the knockout stages, young Sen handed India a 1-0 lead with a come-from-behind 8-21 21-17 21-16 win over world number five Anthony Sinisuka Ginting in a superb show of temperament and skill.
“Being 3-4 points down didn’t matter because I knew I would play from the better end, and I can open up, and he will be under pressure,” said Sen after the tie.
“This one is for the team. They have been backing me throughout. I have played well but not got the results. I’m happy that I pulled the first set for the team,” he added.
The country’s best doubles pair of Rankireddy and Shetty then showed nerves of steel as it saved four match points in the second game to eventually outwit Mohammad Ahsan and Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo 18-21 23-21 21-19.
In the second singles, Srikanth outclassed Asian Games gold medallist Jonatan Christie 21-15, 23-21 in 48 minutes to seal the historic victory.
The excellent show earned the Indian team a handsome one core reward from the sports ministry.
“The Indian badminton team has scripted history! The entire nation is elated by India winning the Thomas Cup! Congratulations to our accomplished team and best wishes to them for their future endeavours. This win will motivate so many upcoming sportspersons,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted.