India wins gold at 2024 Badminton Asia Team Championships

On 18 February 2024, the Indian women’s badminton team won a historic gold medal at the Badminton Asia Team Championships in Shah Alam, Malaysia. This was India’s first ever title at the continental competition, with the men’s team having previously won two bronze medals in 2016 and 2020. The Indian women beat Thailand 3-2 in a thrilling final, which was held in Shah Alam, Malaysia.

PV Sindhu gives India flying start

The tie started with world No. 11 PV Sindhu taking on 17th ranked Supanida Katethong. The Indian badminton ace made quick work of her Thai opponent, winning 21-12, 21-12 in just 39 minutes to give India a 1-0 lead. It was Sindhu’s fifth win against Katethong in eight meetings.

Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand double India’s lead

India’s young doubles pairing of Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand then upset the much higher ranked Thai pair of Jongkolphan Kititharakul/Rawinda Prajongjai. Ranked 23rd in the world, the Indian pair won 21-16, 18-21, 21-16 to give India a commanding 2-0 lead going into the reverse singles.

Thai fightback levels scores

The Thai team launched a strong comeback, winning the next two rubbers. Busanan Ongbamrungphan (world No. 18) comfortably beat India’s Ashmita Chaliha 21-11, 21-14 in the second singles to reduce arrears.
Priya Konjengbam and Shruti Mishra lost 21-11, 21-9 to Benyapa Aimsaard and Nuntakarn Aimsaard, stretching the tie to the final match.

Anmol Kharb- India’s trump card

With the title clash evenly poised at 2-2, India’s hopes rested on 17-year-old Anmol Kharb, ranked 472nd in the world. Facing world No. 45 Pornpicha Choeikeewong, the teenager held her nerve magnificently. Kharb won 21-14, 21-9 to clinch the gold medal for India. This was the third straight match in the competition that Kharb won after being fielded in a must-win situation.
In the group stage, she defeated world No. 149 Wu Luo Yu in a must-win match to help India beat the People’s Republic of China. She also got the better of world No. 29 Natsuki Nidaira in a similar situation in the semi-finals against Japan.

Significance

This was India’s first ever title at the Badminton Asia Team Championships. The victory also earned India valuable ranking points for the Paris 2024 Olympics race. As semi-finalists, India also qualified for the 2024 Thomas & Uber Cup Finals. For the young players, this win provides great experience and confidence going forward.
In 2022, India defeated 14-time winners Indonesia 3-0 to win its maiden Thomas Cup title.

Category: Sports Current Affairs