India celebrates first ever Thomas Cup win

NEW DELHI, May 15: India sprang into a celebratory mood on Sunday after the country's shuttlers won the Thomas Cup badminton tournament for the first time, convincingly defeating 14-time champions Indonesia 3-0 in the final in Bangkok.

Lakshay Sen began the winning spree for India by defeating Anthony Sinisuka Ginting 8-21, 21-17, 21-16, before Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty won the doubles final 18-21, 23-21, 21-19 against Mohammad Ahsan and Kevin Sanjaya Sukamujlo.

Finally, in the second singles, India's Kidambi Srikanth defeated Jonatan Christie 21-15, 21-21.

The country's Sports Minister Anurag Thakur announced a reward of 10 million Indian rupees (130,000 U.S. dollars) for the victorious team. "History Created! Congratulations to the Indian men's badminton team for winning the Thomas Cup! This extraordinary feat, with successive victories over Malaysia, Denmark and Indonesia, calls for matching honour by the nation," he tweeted.

Buoyed by the shuttlers' performance at the Thomas Cup, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the team, saying their victory will inspire young athletes.

"The Indian badminton team has scripted history! The entire nation is elated by India winning the Thomas Cup! Congratulations to our accomplished team and best wishes to them for their future endeavours. This win will motivate so many upcoming sportspersons," tweeted Modi.