The Indian men’s badminton
team Sunday created history by winning the Thomas Cup gold at the Impact
Arena in Bangkok. India defeated 14-time champions Indonesia in three
successive matches to clinch the gold medal in a lopsided rubber. This is India’s
maiden medal in the tournament’s 72 years of history.

Also Read: India beats Indonesia to win historic Thomas Cup gold

India, who were regarded as
the underdogs in the tournament, made the most of their blazing form to trump
favourites Indonesia, who were also the defending champions.

India got off to a fantastic
start as World No. 9 Lakshya Sen, for the first time in the knockouts, won his
match as the World Championships bronze medallist defeated World No. 5 Anthony
Ginting by 8-21, 21-17, 21-16 in a thrilling tie. With this win, Sen, who lost
his last three matches, made it 2-0 against his Indonesian rival.

Also Read: India assured of historic Thomas Cup medal after beating Malaysia

In the second draw, India’s
top-ranked men’s doubles pairing of Satwik and Chirag held their nerves and got
better off World No. 1 Mohammad Ahsan- Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo 18-21, 23-21,
21-19 to register the most remarkable victory of their career, to give India a
2-0 lead. After the thrilling victory, Chirag Shetty went shirtless to
celebrate the memorable win.

In the third game, former
World No. 1 and World Championships silver medallist Kidambi Srikanth,
continuing his winning streak in Thomas Cup, defeated World No. 8 Jonatan
Christie 21-15, 23-21 to make it 3-0.

Also Read: PV Sindhu in Korea Open quarter-final, others crash out

Srikanth was terrific at the
court with his jump mash and crosscourt smash as he jumped in the air to
celebrate India’s historic Thomas Cup victory. The Indian team, coached by
Pullela Gopichand, exhaled in joy.

Also Read: PV Sindhu defeats Thailand’s Ongbamrungphan Busanan, claims Swiss Open title

After the All England wins
of Prakash Padukone and Pullela Gopichand and then PV Sindhu’s Olympic medal
and World Championships gold, the Thomas Cup gold is another magnificent
achievement added to Indian badminton’s growing stature.