India created history by defeating 14-time champions Indonesia 3-0 in the final of the Thomas Cup. The country has won the first tournament in 73 years. This tournament was started in 1949. Struggling to find momentum in the knockout stage, Lakshya performed as expected in the most crucial bout as he bounced back from a loss in the first singles match to defeat world number five Anthony Sinisuka Ginting 8-21 21-17 21- 16 to give India a 1-0 lead.
The country’s top men’s doubles pair of Satwik and Chirag then came back from adversity to save four match points in the second game to beat the pair of Mohammad Ahsan and Kevin Sanjay Sukamuljo 18-21 23-21 21-19. Made the lead 2-0. In the second singles, Srikanth put up a stellar performance to give India a 3-0 victory over Asian Games gold medalist Jonathan Christie 21-15 23-21 in 48 minutes in straight games.
Earlier, no Indian team had reached the final of the Thomas and Uber Cup in its history of 73 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 top four of the Uber Cup in 2014 and 2016. India finished second in Group C after Chinese Taipei to qualify for the knockout stage. Then won the quarter-finals and semi-finals against the strong Malaysian and Danish team.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the Indian team on winning the Thomas Cup. He tweeted and said, “Indian team created history! Entire nation is excited about India winning the Thomas Cup! Congratulations to our team and best wishes for their future. This win will inspire many future players.”