When the Indian men’s badminton team made history with the first-ever gold, Coach P Gopichand said this is the real World Cup that India has won.
The Indian men’s badminton team beat 14-time champions and holders Indonesia in the final on Sunday to win a maiden gold medal at Thomas Cup.
In one of the most amazing moments for Indian sports, the men’s badminton team beat 14-time champions and holders Indonesia in the final on Sunday winning a maiden gold medal at Thomas Cup.
First-time finalists India delivered a spectacular performance in the final to outdo Indonesia 3-0 and script history. The 20-year-old Lakshya Sen started by beating Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist Anthony Ginting. Doubles stars Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty then gave India a 2-0 lead by beating Mohammad Ahsan and Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo 18-21, 23-21, 21-19. And finally, Kidambi Srikanth closed India’s historic win by outclassing Jonatan Christie 21-15, 23-21.
It was the first time that India had even reached the final at the Thomas Cup but exhibited nerves of steel throughout the final.
After India defeated Indonesia 3-0 to win the Thomas Cup, national coach and all England champion P Gopichand spoke with Indian Express about the triumph and what it means for the country.
He said, “In my mind, I knew this was possible when you do the calculations. But whether it will actually be possible depends on individual players, and today they pulled it off perfectly, which was wonderful to watch. When we speak of Indian team sport at the highest level, this is the real World Cup that India has won in a game spread globally and with fancied powerhouses. I am proud of being a badminton player today. This was coming for years, but things fell into place now. I might even believe in the magic of our players.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi immediately applauded the players on Sunday, and promptly dialed to congratulate them on their stunning success, thanked their parents for helping them develop into world-beaters, and doing the country proud with their exploits on the global stage.
He termed the Thomas Cup triumph of the Indian badminton team as one of the country’s finest sporting wins and invited the shuttlers to his residence on returning from Bangkok.
India is ecstatic and hundreds took to Twitter to congratulate them:
Heartiest Congratulations to the Indian Badminton Team for winning the #ThomasCup! History being scripted today with this marvelous achievement! Entire nation is so proud as India becomes Thomas Cup Champion for the first time!!
— Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) May 15, 2022
Congratulations to all the members of #TeamIndia on their historic #ThomasCup win. 🇮🇳 I hope this victory inspires the next generation to play the sport. 🏆 @lakshya_sen @srikidambi @PRANNOYHSPRI @satwiksairaj @Shettychirag04 @arjunmr @dhruvkapilaa
— Neeraj Chopra (@Neeraj_chopra1) May 15, 2022
Wow, wow JUST JUST WOW! Have we just seen the greatest moment in Indian sport since 83? HISTORY.. take a bow you legends ! @lakshya_sen @srikidambi @PRANNOYHSPRI @Shettychirag04 @satwiksairaj and to SAI, @himantabiswa BAI! Proud proud moment for every Indian #ThomasCup 🇮🇳
— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) May 15, 2022
History made. Welcome to India #Thomascup! Phenomenal!
Jai Hind 🇮🇳🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/EO3wW0q8d2— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) May 15, 2022
Salute!🇮🇳
Historic win🏸 at #ThomasCup.👏👏 pic.twitter.com/O3Y4LONzWL
— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) May 15, 2022