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| India Clinches Historic Gold at Badminton Asia Championships [Source: Scroll] |
On February 18, 2024, the Indian women’s badminton team achieved a monumental feat by securing a historic gold medal at the Badminton Asia Team Championships in Shah Alam, Malaysia. This landmark victory marked India’s inaugural triumph at the continental level, contrasting with the men’s team's previous achievements of clinching two bronze medals in 2016 and 2020. The exhilarating final saw the Indian women's team triumph over Thailand with a nail-biting 3-2 victory, held in Shah Alam, Malaysia.
PV Sindhu Sets the Tone:
The match commenced with a stellar performance from PV Sindhu, the world No. 11, who faced off against Supanida Katethong, ranked 17th. In a dominating display of skill, Sindhu swiftly defeated her Thai counterpart with a score of 21-12, 21-12 in just 39 minutes, catapulting India to a 1-0 lead. This marked Sindhu's fifth victory over Katethong in their eight encounters.
Jolly and Gopichand Extend Lead:
India's dynamic duo, Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand, added to the team's momentum by securing a crucial victory against the higher-ranked Thai pair of Jongkolphan Kititharakul and Rawinda Prajongjai. Despite the odds, the 23rd-ranked Indian pair emerged triumphant with a hard-fought win of 21-16, 18-21, 21-16, bolstering India's lead to 2-0 ahead of the reverse singles.
Thai Fightback:
However, the Thai team staged a formidable comeback, clinching victories in the subsequent rubbers. Busanan Ongbamrungphan, ranked 18th globally, showcased her prowess by defeating India’s Ashmita Chaliha with a commanding score of 21-11, 21-14 in the second singles, narrowing the deficit. Subsequently, Priya Konjengbam and Shruti Mishra succumbed to their Thai counterparts, Benyapa Aimsaard and Nuntakarn Aimsaard, with a score of 21-11, 21-9, setting the stage for a thrilling final match.
Anmol Kharb Seals Victory:
In a moment of high tension with the tie leveled at 2-2, India pinned its hopes on the 17-year-old sensation, Anmol Kharb, ranked 472nd globally. Facing off against the world No. 45, Pornpicha Choeikeewong, Kharb displayed remarkable composure, clinching victory with scores of 21-14, 21-9 to secure the gold medal for India. This marked Kharb's third consecutive match-winning performance in the competition, demonstrating her mettle under pressure.
Significance:
The triumph at the Badminton Asia Team Championships not only marked India’s maiden title at the prestigious event but also garnered crucial ranking points for the Paris 2024 Olympics. Additionally, by reaching the semi-finals, India secured qualification for the 2024 Thomas & Uber Cup Finals, further solidifying its presence on the global badminton stage. This victory not only serves as a source of pride for the nation but also provides invaluable experience and confidence for the burgeoning talent within the Indian badminton fraternity.