New Delhi. The Indian badminton team set a record in Thailand’s capital Bangkok on Friday. The team defeated a strong and 2016 champions Denmark 3-2 in a thrilling semi-final at the Thomas Cup Badminton. With this, India’s team reached the finals of this prestigious tournament for the first time. India had never progressed beyond the semi-finals in this tournament before that since 1979. World Championship silver medalist Kidambi Srikanth and Satwik Sairaj, Ranki Reddy and Chirag Shetty kept India in the race for the final against Denmark. While HS Prannoy helped India create history by defeating Denmark.
HS Prannoy was up against world number 13 Rasmus Gemke. Prannoy slipped on the court during this match and also injured his ankle. He then took a medical timeout and made a comeback in the match in pain. Despite his injury, Prannoy smashed Rasmus 13-21, 21-09 and 21-12. Earlier, on Thursday, the Indian team defeated five-time champion Malaysia in the Thomas Cup by 3 against 2. This time in the match, World Championship bronze medalist Lakshya Sen lost to Viktor Axelsen of Denmark.
MISSION?
Dream of a billion plus just came true. Absolute champion stuff from our boys as they became the first ever team to advance into the S of #ThomasCup
Kudos to the entire coaching team & support staffs. Take a bow@himantabiswa#ThomasCup2022#IndiaontheRise pic.twitter.com/cGdeFJIZD7
— BAI Media (@BAI_Media) May 13, 2022
In the second match against Denmark on Friday, the Indian team defeated Kim Astrup and Matthias Christiansen 21-18, 21-23 and 22-20. Due to this, India and Denmark were tied at 1-1. The world’s 11th ranked Kidambi Srikanth then defeated third-ranked Anders Antonsen 21-18-12-21 and 21-15. Denmark and India were once tied 2-2, but Prannoy’s miraculous game overtook his rival to enter the golden era of badminton.