Thomas Cup badminton: Team India creates history, thrashes Indonesia

The Indian men’s badminton team created history on Sunday as they lifted the Thomas Cup trophy for the very first time.

In what was India’s first-ever appearance in the tournament final, they outplayed record 14-time champions Indonesia 3-0 in the Thomas Cup 2022 title clash at the Impact Arena in Bangkok.

No Indian team has previously reached the final of the Thomas. Uber Cup in its history of over 70 years. The  Indian men’s team reached the Thomas Cup semi-finals in 1952, 1955 and 1979 while the women’s team made it to the Uber Cup top-four stage in 2014 and 2016.

Starting the tie, Lakshya Sen clinched the first point for India after defeating Anthony Ginting 8-21, 21-17, 21-16.

But Lakshya Sen responded brilliantly in the second game to take the match to the decider, by winning it 21-17.

Sen completed the comeback by winning the match 8-21, 21-17, 21-16.

In the second match of the tie, the Indonesian scratch pairing of Mohammad Ahsan. Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo got off to the right start after winning their opening match 21-18.

The Indians won the deciding game to clinch the match 18-21, 23-21, 21-19.

In the third match of the tie, India’s Kidambi Srikanth took the opening game against Indonesia’s Jonatan. Christie 21-15 and clinched the match and final by winning the second game 23-21.

The Indian team, featuring Lakshya Sen, Kidambi Srikanth, HS Prannoy, doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy. Chirag Shetty and others, have given a good account of themselves at this year’s tournament.