India wins Thomas Cup: Sports Ministry announces Rs 1 crore prize for men

Sports Minister Anurag Tagore on Sunday announced a cash prize of Rs 1 crore for the Indian men’s badminton team, making history by winning the coveted Thomas Cup title for the first time.

India beat 14-time champions Indonesia 3-0 in the final of the Thomas Cup in Bangkok on Sunday.

“India’s remarkable record of winning the Thomas Cup with a series of victories against Malaysia, Denmark and Indonesia in the play-offs, calls for relaxation of the rules,” Thakur said in a statement.

“It is with pride that I am announcing a prize of Rs 1 crore to the team that Indians are so happy this weekend.

Tagore praised the Indian team players, coaches and support staff for the historic victory.

Kidambi Srikanth and HS Pranoy have won every time they set foot on the court. The doubles combination of Satviksairakjarnakireddy and Chirag Shetty has increased the bar by winning decisive points in five of the six matches, including three in the knockout stage, ”he said.

“Lakshya Sen showed the steel nerves by winning the opening match against Indonesia. I am sure that the dual combination of MR Arjun and Dhruv Kapila and Krishna Prasad Garaga and Panjala Vishnuvardhan Gaur as well as Priyanshu Rajawat will gain a lot as part of this historic campaign.”

The sports ministry said it had contributed to the team’s unprecedented success by providing training and competition support to players.

“A 10-week national camp starting in January has helped raise the fitness level of the players. Support for the appointment of Matthias Boye as coach to assist in doubles coordination was also significant,” the statement added.

In the last four years, the ministry has increased funding for Indian badminton players by Rs 67.19 crore for training and competition, including salaries of foreign and Indian coaches.

“And last year alone, the ministry supported 14 international exposure trips at a cost of Rs 4.50 crore.”