Indian Men's Badminton Team Scripts History, Defeats Malaysia In Thomas Cup Quarter-Finals To Assure First-Ever Medal
NDTV
This the fourth time India have entered the semi-finals of Thomas Cup after1952,1955,1979, but there were no medals available on the earlier occasions.
The Indian men's badminton team scripted a memorable 3-2 win over Malaysia to enter the semifinals of Thomas Cup for the first time in 43 years but the women's side bowed out after losing 0-3 to Thailand in the Uber Cup in Bangkok on Thursday. India is thus assured of at least a bronze at the Thomas Cup. The country has not won a medal at the event since 1979.
India had bagged three bronze in the past when they reached inter-zonal finals. However, it is the first time since the change in the qualifying format that the country won a medal at the prestigious tournament.
Up against a team that has won the title five times, the world number 8 pairing of Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, world championships silver medallist Kidambi Srikanth and HS Prannoy rose to the occasion to see India home.
India will next take on either Korea or Denmark.
A lot of expectation rode on world championships bronze winner Lakshya Sen but he couldn't go the distance in the opening singles, losing 21-23 9-21 to reigning world champion Lee Zii Jia in 46 minutes.
