India will celebrate 75 years of independence this year. Below is a series of recognitions of 75 great sporting achievements of Indian athletes. sports star It will reward an emblematic sporting achievement every day, until August 15, 2022.

May 15, 2022: India win their first Thomas Cup title, beating 14-time champions Indonesia 3-0 in the final in Bangkok.

World Championship bronze medalist Lakshya Sen beat Indonesia’s Anthony Senesuka Genting 8-21, 21-17, 21-16 in the first men’s singles to give India a 1-0 lead.

In the first doubles match, Satwixiraj Rankiriddi/Chirag Shetty saved four match points before beating Muhammad Ahsan/Kevin Sanjaya Sukamolijou 18-21, 23-21, 21-19 to extend India’s lead to 2- 0.

World Championship silver medalist Kedambi Srikanth beat Jonathan Christie 21-15, 23-21 in back-to-back matches in the second match of the men’s singles to claim India’s historic win.

Strong points: Thomas Cup Final Live, India v Indonesia: India beat Indonesia 3-0 to win their first Thomas Cup title

India had already reached the semi-finals of the Thomas Cup in 1952, 1955 and 1979.

In the opening singles event between Lakshya and Olympic bronze medalist Genting, the Indonesian first beat India with her phenomenal pace on the court and led 11-7. After the mid-game break, Ginting continued with the same intensity to collect 12 points in a row before closing the opener 21-8 in just 17 minutes.

However, it was Lakshya who started more aggressively in game two and led 11-7 halfway through. Gitting closed the gap to 17-15. The Lakshya Almora-born matchmaker scored three points in a row and despite losing two points in the game, he tied the game 8-21, 21-17.

Lily: Lakshya Sen after beating Genting: ‘I’m not worried…it’s for the team’

Genting, who looked tired in the second game and committed numerous reckless fouls, leveled off early in the deciding game. The Indonesian had a four-point lead at the halfway point but All England Open Ski Championships runner-up Lakshya recovered 12-12. Moreover, it was India who continued their lead to finally get four match points at 20-16. He changed the first himself to put India on top.

After Lakshya’s victory, Satwick and Chirac entered the field in their first duo against Ahsan and Sokamoljo. The Indian duo were just two points adrift midway through the opener, but the Indonesians suddenly picked up some momentum and extended their lead to six points at 17-11. Indian Open champions Satwick and Chirag closed the gap to 18-19 to see their opponents pick up the next two points to win the opener 21-18.

The Indian pair dominated the early stages of the second game and led 11-6 by one point. Ahsan and Sukamuljo, like the first, managed to turn the tide in the second game and had three game chances with the score 20-17. India struggled to save three and one more before stealing the second game 23-21.

Properties: How Satwick and Jirag won by multiple points in a row

The final match was closely tied as the two pairs did not advance more than three points at any time. At 18-18, it was the Indian duo who won the next two matches from a center. Ahsan saved a game point by attacking Sawtik and Chirag single-handedly before Girag’s accidental kill led to the empty left corner of the inning. Indonesia won the match 18-21, 23-21, 21-19.

With a chance to end the match in the second single, Srikanth started the showdown against Asian runners-up Christie on a high to lead 8-2. However, the Indonesian shuttle driver wiped out Srikanth’s advantage by winning the next six points. The two held on until 15-15 when Srikanth returned it to Christie’s by scoring six straight points to seal the opener 21-15.

Srikanth, who didn’t lose a game throughout the game, regained the lead in the second half to take a three-point lead midway through the first half. In a bid to keep Indonesia alive in the game, Christie upped her pace and bounced back from 10-13 to take a 16-13 lead. Srikanth kept his cool under pressure and waited for Christie to make a mistake. At the age of 19-19, Christie pulled off a great shot to outsmart Srikanth and earn match point. The Indian saved him from a superb backhand crossing the pitch. Christie had another chance to win Game 2 when his quick reaction prevented Srikanth’s powerful body shot to put him ahead 21-20.

Srikanth ended Christie’s hopes of reaching a decisive third game by winning three points in a row, including a stunning cross smash at 22-21 to claim India’s first Thomas Cup title.

(This article was first published on May 15, 2022)