On Sunday, India’s men’s badminton team made history by winning the Thomas Cup for the first time in 73 years with a surprising 3-0 victory over superpower Indonesia in the final.
India put on a show to remember, with medalist Lakshya Sen, Kidambi Srikanth, and the world number 8 doubles combo of Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy putting on unforgettable performances.
Sen gave India a 1-0 lead with a come-from-behind 8-21 21-17 21-16 victory against world number five Anthony Sinisuka Ginting in a stunning display of temperament and technique after going off color in the knockout stages.
Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, the country’s greatest doubles combo, then showed steely grit in the second game, saving four match chances to beat Mohammad Ahsan and Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo 18-21 23-21 21-19.
Srikanth then put up a strong showing in the second singles, defeating Asian Games gold medalist Jonatan Christie 21-15 23-21 in 48 minutes to win the match.
The five-round match had an early conclusion, with world bronze medallist Lakshya Sen defeating world number five Anthony Sinisuka Ginting 8-21 21-17 21-16 to open the event.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the Indian men’s badminton team for making history after defeating Indonesia 3-0 in the Thomas Cup finals in Bangkok on Sunday.
The team put up a strong performance over their opponent, with Lakshya Sen, Kidambi Srikanth, and the world number 8 doubles combo of Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy putting in impressive performances.
“The Indian badminton team has written their own chapter in history!” India’s victory in the Thomas Cup has delighted the whole country! Congratulations to our talented group, and best wishes for their future endeavors. PM Modi tweeted, “This victory will inspire many aspiring athletes.”
India won the Thomas Cup for the first time. World bronze medalist Lakshya opened the show with an 8-21 21-17 21-16 victory over world number five Anthony Sinisuka Ginting in the five-round match.
Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty then put on another outstanding performance, defeating Mohammad Ahsan and Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo of Indonesia 18-21 23-21 21-19.
Kidambi Srikanth won the second singles match in less than an hour, defeating Asian Games gold medalist Jonatan Christie 21-15 23-21.
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