Historic – Bharatiya Badminton Women’s Team wins First-Ever Asia Team Championships
Bharatiya women’s team on Sunday scripted history after clinching their first-ever Badminton Asia Team Championships title, beating Thailand in the summit clash. Bharat had won two medals in the past with the men’s team claiming bronze medals in the 2016 and 2020 editions. However, it is the first-ever major title for women in team championships also served as qualifying tournament for the BWF Thomas & Uber Cup Finals, which is set to be held in Chengdu, China from April 28 to May 5. It marks a significant shift in power dynamics within Asian badminton, challenging the traditional domination of powerhouses like China and Japan.
In BATC, Bharatiya team, led by ace shuttler PV Sindhu the world No. 11, defeated Thailand 3-2 to clinched the historic title. Bharat began the day with two quite different victories. In the first match of the day, PV Sindhu defeated world no. 17 Katethong Supanida 21–12, 21–12 to give Bharat an early lead.
Then, after defeating the 10th-ranked Jongkolphan Kititharakul and Rawinda Prajongjai in three games with scores of 21-16, 18-21, and 21-16, the world No. 23 women’s doubles team of Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand increased lead to 2-0.
However, Ashmita Chaliha lost against Busanan Ongbanrunhphan in straight games, 11-21 and 14-21 in just thirty-five minutes, Ongbamrungphan. The next match of women’s duo Shruti and Priya lost to Benyapa and Nuntakarn Aimsaard 11-21, 9-11, extending the tie to the Final match.
Once again, Bharat’s destiny depended once more on 17-year-old Anmol Kharb ranked as the 472nd in the BWF badminton, as she held onto her nerves and delivered a defeat to world No. 45 Pornpicha Choeikeewong by 21-14, 21-9 in the decider to wrap up the historic win for Bharat.
Women’s badminton team dominated the world’s strongest teams at the 2024 Badminton Championship. The young players on the team were crucial in the historic victory, as Anmol Kharb defeated world No. 149 Wu Luo Yu in a match that had to be won to help Bharat defeat the People’s Republic of China in the group stage. In the semi-finals against Japan, she overcame world No. 29 Natsuki Nidaira in a similar circumstance.
Bharat’s men’s team has only previously won two bronze medals; however, this victory of taking home the gold is beginning a legacy of historic victories. The Badminton Asia Team Championships 2024 offered valuable Race to Paris 2024 ranking points, which will be crucial for shuttlers looking to compete at the upcoming Olympic Games.
