Indian Men’s Badminton team reaches Thomas Cup Final, scripts history

With a tremendous 3-2 victory over Denmark, on the back of a fighting performance from HS Prannoy, India created history by reaching the finals of the Thomas Cup for the first time in history. Now, it will play against 14-time champions Indonesia in the finals.

Before the last tie, India and Denmark were head-to-head at 2-2. India had put in a great effort, courtesy the world number 8 doubles team of Chirag Shetty and World Championships Silver medalist, Kidambi Srikanth, to reach this stage. Finally, it was left to Prannoy to take India home; however, tragedy struck when he sustained an ankle injury after slipping on the court. Prannoy continued to play after getting medical support, even though he was in visible pain throughout the game.

After taking India to victory, Prannoy said, “Mentally, there were a lot of things going on in my head. After the slip, it was hurting more than usual and I was not able to lunge properly and I was thinking what to do. In my mind, it was always coming that I should not give up, just try and see how it goes. Was praying that the pain doesn’t get aggravated and it started to reduce towards the second game and by the third, I was feeling much better.”

“The tactics which we used in the second and third game was very crucial. The strategy was to keep the pressure on and I knew if I come into the second half with a good lead, there is a big chance to get the game. And I just told myself to push these 11 points possible and the strategy worked,” he further added.