Pullela Gopichand, India’s chief national coach, praised the country’s first-ever gold medal at the Badminton Asia Team Championships on Sunday, saying the young women’s team’s performance gives him a lot of hope for the future. The Indian women’s team won the Badminton Asia Team Championships on Sunday, defeating Thailand 3-2 in Shah Alam, Malaysia.
“This has been a fantastic performance. Overall, each member of the team contributed. We beat some top teams; not many teams in the world can claim to have defeated China, Japan, and Thailand, and I believe each played well,” Gopichand said after the victory.
“It was a complete team effort and a fantastic win for the team. It was fantastic how Sindhu won the match, followed by Gayatri and Treesa facing a formidable opponent. It was a fantastic victory. It was a difficult match to win, and Anmol was particularly impressive.”
It is the first major title for Indian women in team championships and gives the team a significant boost ahead of the Uber Cup, which will be held in Chengdu, China, from April 28 to May 5.
“It is good that we have strong singles and strong doubles, it makes a formidable team but having said that there are teams like China, Japan, and Korea which are very strong and we need to have our best team winning there,” Gopichand said in a statement.
“It’s still time, I am very happy about this performance and I am hopeful about the future.” Gopichand praised Anmol Kharb, 17, for once again delivering when it counted, winning the deciding fifth rubber of the five-match tie.
“To play the deciding tie in a big match… the final of a team event, it takes guts and a lot of confidence, and it demonstrates what you’re made of. I believe she has done exceptionally well on that front.
“She has been phenomenal, she played the right strokes and she had the greatest of attitude and it is wonderful to see.” Badminton Association of India (BAI) secretary Sanjay Mishra congratulated the team on their title win, saying, “It is a proud moment for all of us.” It also demonstrated the depth of badminton talent in India, and we are confident that this group of players will win many more titles in the coming years.” Social media was also abuzz with congratulations for the young women’s team.
“The last few days will be etched in my memory forever. Sindhu wrote on Instagram, “We defied the odds and defeated some formidable teams to win this title.
“… winning and representing our incredible country, India, never gets old. May God grant me the honor of representing for many years to come. Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, one-half of the world’s No. 1 Indian men’s doubles team, also congratulated the players.
“BAC champions Team India.” Congratulations to our women’s team. “Special thanks to Sindhu Akka, Gayatri Terressa, and Anmol for making this happen. #teamevent #dreamevent #champions #India @BAI_Media,” he tweeted.
India defeated the top three seeded teams — China, Japan, and Thailand — on its way to the gold.
“The girls’ performance was too good. “Just another statement on how well we have evolved as a team in the last few years and are a major force in these types of big team events!!” world No. 7 HS Prannoy wrote on ‘X’.
