India make history with their first victory in Thomas Cup final

India secured one of the biggest wins in badminton after defeating reigning champions Indonesia to lift the Thomas Cup for the first time.

India were competing in their first final of the men’s team championship in Bangkok on Sunday and clinched the title when world No 11 Kidambi Srikanth defeated Jonatan Christie 21-15, 23-21.

The Indians were 2-0 up in the finals after Lakshya Sen beat Anthony Ginting in the first singles match and then Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty overpowered Mohammad Ahsan and Kevin Sukamuljo in the doubles.

Sen set the tone for the firsttime finalists when he stunned Olympic bronze medallist

Ginting in the first singles at the Impact Arena.

Rankireddy combined with Shetty for a similar rallying win over Ahsan and Sanjaya Sukamuljo in the first doubles.

Indonesia are the tournament’s most successful team, having won it 14 times, which makes India’s win even more commendable. It fell to Christie to save Indonesia’s fading title hopes. But the eighthranked player seemed overcome with nerves against Srikanth.

Srikanth praised his teammates for their performance individually and as a team, saying: “I think everyone really stepped up when it was required.

“A credit goes to the whole team, players, coaches, support team. I love them, they have been fantastic. It’s one of the best teams that I have been part of.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted: “The Indian badminton team has scripted history! The entire nation is elated by India winning the Thomas Cup!” he tweeted.

The country’s sports ministry has announced a cash prize of 10 million rupees ($129,000) for the squad.

The country’s sports ministry has announced a cash prize of 10 million rupees ($129,000) for the squad