BANGKOK/NEW DELHI: India made history by winning the Thomas Cup for the first time with a ruthless 3-0 upset of reigning champions Indonesia in Bangkok on Sunday.
India, competing in their debut final of the men’s team championship, sealed the title when world number 11 Kidambi Srikanth defeated higher-ranked Jonatan Christie 21-15, 23-21.
A devastated Indonesia, the tournament’s most successful team having previously won it 14 times, could not keep pace with the fire brought by the Indian team — who joyfully rushed the court following Srikanth’s win.
India were already 2-0 up, with Lakshya Sen beating Anthony Ginting in the first singles match and then Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty defeating Mohammad Ahsan and Kevin Sukamuljo in the doubles.
It fell to Christie, an Asian Games gold medallist now in his fourth Thomas Cup campaign, to save Indonesia’s flagging title hopes.But the eighth-ranked Christie couldn’t do it and seemed overcome with nerves at the onset of his do-or-die match against Srikanth.
The 29-year-old Srikanth took full advantage, bearing down relentlessly on Christie in the second game.Srikanth praised his teammates for their performance individually and as a team, noting: “I think everyone really stepped up when it was required.”
“A credit goes to the whole team, players, coaches, support team. I love them, they have been fantastic. It’s one of the best teams that I have been part of,” he said.
“Thomas Cup is something that India has never won and now to be part of a team that won the Thomas Cup and to contribute to the team’s win just gives me a lot of happiness,” he added.
Srikanth, who told reporters the team’s WhatsApp group was called ‘it’s coming home’, said while the team hadn’t got any firm plans for celebrations that evening, “it’s definitely going to be crazy”.
India celebrates historic triumph:India erupted in celebration after its maiden title triumph in the prestigious Thomas Cup badminton tournament, with people from all walks of life joyfully exhausting their stock of superlatives to adorn Sunday’s heroes.
From Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Olympic gold medallist shooter Abhinav Bindra, the historic feat drew the attention of the country’s political class, sporting fraternity, entertainment industry, and the corporate sector, among others.
They lavished rich praise on the men who made it possible — Lakshay Sheron, Kidambi Srikanth, the doubles duo of Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy — and also the ones who were not required in the team’s 3-0 demolition of 14-time winners Indonesia but played stirring roles en route to the victory in Bangkok.
“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 — PM Modi.
What a historic day! An incredible achievement by an incredible Team India to win the #ThomasCup for the first time ever!! Bounced back from tough situations on numerous occasions to win Gold. Kudos to all the players and coaches. Champions, all of you! — Olympic gold medallist shooter Abhinav Bindra
A historic achievement and a massive moment for Indian badminton. Congratulations Team India on winning the Thomas Cup — India cricketer Virat Kohli.
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