BENGALURU: India’s men’s badminton team created history on Sunday by defeating 14-time champions Indonesia 3-0 and winning the Thomas Cup for the first time in 73 years.
Lakshya Sen kicked off the campaign for India by beating Anthony Sinsuka Ginting 8-21, 21-17, 21-16 and notching up a 1-0 lead against Indonesia.
In the second encounter, Satwik Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty locked horns with the Indonesian pair of Ahsan and Sukamuljo. The Indian duo lost the first set but bounced back strongly to get the better of the Indonesian pair by 18-21, 23-21, 21-19.
In the third match, K Srikanth pummeled Jonathan Christie in straight sets to clinch the title for India. Srikanth exerted authority and hammered Christie to win 21-15, 23-21.
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.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 15, 2022
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the historic victory of India’s men’s badminton team and stated that their win will inspire many upcoming sportsperson.
“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,” he tweeted.
Anurag Thakur, the Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, bestowed glowing adulation on the team for racking up a splendid win and announced a cash prize of Rs 1 crore for the team.