Shah Alam: India proved they are on the right track to become a badminton powerhouse after their women’s squad emerged victorious at the Badminton Asia Team Championships (BATC) on Sunday.
The Indian women’s team made history by clinching the BATC title after defeating Thailand 3-2 in the final match held at Setia City Convention Center (SCCC), Selangor, Malaysia.
After being tied at 2-2, India’s third singles player, world no. 472 Anmol Kharb, emerged as the team’s hero by contributing the winning points with a victory over world no. 45 Pornpicha Choeikeewong 21-14, 21-9.
Highlights of Anmol Kharb vs. Pornpicha Choeikeewong in the 2024 Badminton Asia Team Championships (BATC) Women’s Team final:
The 17-year-old Anmol expressed excitement at playing a crucial role in the historic achievement of the Indian women’s team at the BATC competition.
“I am very happy to help India win the gold medal in my first appearance at BATC. This is history for our Indian women’s team, and it was created here,” said Anmol, who became the youngest national champion in India last year.
Earlier, P V Sindhu, playing as the first singles, contributed the first point for India by overcoming the challenge from Supanida Katethong with a score of 21-12, 21-12.
India continued to lead comfortably through the doubles victory of Treesa Jolly-Gayatri Pullela Gopichand, who defeated Jongkolphan Kititharakul-Rawinda Prajongjai 21-16, 18-21, 21-16.
However, Thailand fought back through the second singles, Busanan Ongbamrungphan, who defeated Ashmita Chaliha 21-11, 14-21, before the sibling pair, Benyapa Aimsaard-Nuntakarn Aimsaard, defeated Priya Konjengbam-Shruti Mishra 21-11, 21-9 to force a deciding match.
“At first, we expected to win the first three matches, but unfortunately, we lost in the third and fourth matches. Although I was aware of carrying a big responsibility, it did not make me feel pressured. Instead, I just focused on delivering my best performance,” said Anmol.
The Indian women’s squad showcased an exceptional performance in this edition by defeating the powerhouse teams of China in the group stage, followed by victories over Hong Kong and Japan in the quarterfinals and semifinals on their way to becoming champions.
In 2022, the Indian men’s squad made history by becoming the Thomas Cup champions for the first time in Bangkok, Thailand.
