Indian Badminton Team (men) created history on Friday by entering the Finals of Thomas
Cup 2022. They beat the Denmark team by 3-2 in the semi-finals to grab a place in the
finals. H.S Prannoy, who won the deciding match of the quarter-finals on Thursday was
again there facing the decider match against Denish Shutler Rasmus Gemke in the Semis.
Prannoy was trailing with one game as he lost the first set 13-21. But the Indian shuttler
came back stronger than ever in the 2nd set to win it easily 21-9.
He was so pumped up with the 2nd set win that he took the momentum into the third set. He outplayed his opponent – who ranks 10 positions higher than HS Prannoy in the world rankings – in the third and decisive set to win it for his side. Prannoy maintaining his composure and showing calculated aggression won a lot of hearts from all over the world.
Previously, in the opening match, Indian shuttler Lakshya Sen went down to Viktor Axelsen in two straight sets 13-21, and 13-21. It was after this match when the pair of Satwik and Chirag held their nerves in a nail-biting encounter and won the match to equal the tie score by 1-1. It was a much-needed comeback for India. Then came the veteran Kidambi Srikant. After winning the first set closely (21-18), heloste the 2nd by 12-21. It was then when the experienced man came to the rescue and beat his opponent Anders in the 3rd set to get the upper hand on the tie score. He won the match by 21-18, 12-21,21-15. India, now, was leading as the tie score appeared to be 2-1 in favour of Indians. But the Danish pair was in no mood of giving up easily. Skaarup and Sogaard beat Indian
Duo Krishna and Vishnu in two straight games (21-13, 21-14).
Then we all know who came to the party. H.S.Prannoy. ‘Remember The Name’ moment for
him. He was looking in pain during the game. He had some niggle in his ankle during the
game but he somehow managed to overcome his pain, showing a lion-hearted mentality to
cross the line for his team. As it is said “No Pain, No Gain” is very well said.
Yesterday, what we witnessed was enough for us to be proud of. When India beat
Malaysia in the quarter-finals, history was already made as it was the first time in 43
years when India booked their seats in the semis. But these boys are just so freaky,
there’s no one stopping them. As they say “yeh did manage more” [rankireddy post],
they have proved it today on the court.
India will now take on the 14-time champions Indonesia in the Finals. The
heavyweights of the game beat Japan 3-2 to get into the Finals. When India face-off
against Indonesia, Indians will have nothing to lose but gain. They will be underdogs
surely but no one can take this team lightly.
This team is full of skills and experience. For all Indians, it will be a hugely proud moment to see their team competing in the finals. History has already been created two days in a row. It can be recreated again. Who knows. What lies ahead is a dramatic fixture between India and Indonesia in the Thomas Cup Finals.