India won its first Thomas Cup title: Here’s what the nation says
India’s men’s badminton team has beaten 14-time winners and 2021 champions Indonesia to secure the tournament’s most-equipped country and their first Thomas Cup title.
In the final, the Indian men’s team lost 3-0 to Indonesia. For India, it was an incredible week for their badminton team as the country had never reached the final of the most prestigious event in the world before. The Indian men had previously reached the Thomas Cup semifinals in 1952, 1955 and 1979.
World Championship medalists Lakshya Sen, Kidambi Srikkanth and doubles players Chirag Sethi and Satviksairaj Rankireddy delivered the most and shocking to Indonesia through an impressive performance. Interestingly, Srikanth was unbeaten throughout the tournament.
Lakshya Sen defeated Olympic bronze medalist Anthony Sinisuka Gintingin in the first singles match at the Impact Arena, while Kidambi Srikanth stopped Jonathan Christie in the second singles division as India became only the sixth country to win the coveted trophy.
Sattviksairaj Rankireddy, a doubles pairing with Chirag Shetty, was able to snatch victory against Mohammad Ahsan and Kevin Sanjay Sukamuljo in the first doubles.
The victory of the Indian men’s badminton team has given rise to celebrations with good wishes and respect from all parts of the country.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, “Indian badminton team has made history! The whole nation is thrilled to win India’s Thomas Cup … “
In addition, the Indian Ministry of Sports has announced a cash prize of Rs 1 crore for the squad.
Leave a Reply