SHAH ALAM – India etched their names in history books as the women’s team were crowned Badminton Asia Team Championships (BATC) 2024 champions after defeating Thailand 3-2 at the Setia City Convention Centre today.
Under the guidance of head coach Pullela Gopichand and with an average squad age of 22.6 years, this is their first title since the tournament began in 2016.
17-year-old Anmol Kharb once again rose to the occasion after her heroic performance in the semis, securing the title for her country by defeating Pornpicha Choeikeewong in the deciding match.
The world number 472 player caused an upset against her 45th-ranked opponent, winning 21-14, 21-9, in a 43-minute bout.
Anmol said she was happy to be part of a historic moment for the country and felt honoured to compete with the top-ranked players in the tournament.
“This is a really big moment for my country, and for me to be the deciding factor in India winning the gold medal for the first time in BATC means a lot to me as a player.
“I’m happy to be part of India’s history. Even yesterday, when we won against Japan, the news went viral in our country, and I’m very sure the whole nation will be celebrating our victory today.
“Before stepping onto the court, I already told myself that this is a do-or-die mission for me and my country. But I played with no pressure because I have defeated several giants in this tournament, and that gave me so much motivation to prevail for my country today.
“I have gained so much experience playing in the BATC, especially competing against some of the best players in the world. It’s an honour for me to learn from all the seniors in this tournament.
“No one expected us to reach this far, but our strategies worked, and now we are going to continue this momentum and achieve more success. I’m still young, and this is a great achievement for a 17-year-old player like me,” said Anmol when met after her match.
P.V. Sindhu, who was the team captain for today’s final, was the first to step onto the court and got off to a flying start for India by defeating Supanida Katethong 21-12 21-12.
“I have no words to describe how happy I am for my team. I’m thrilled to lead the team to win the gold in this tournament after coming back from my injury, and it’s the first time in history that the women’s team has won gold in the BATC tournament.
“Today we have proven that India is not inferior to anyone, especially through our fighting spirit and dominant performance.
“Like how I led the team to the championship today, I also hope to lead my country to win the Uber Cup in China,” said Sindhu.
Treesa Jolly-Gayatri Gopichand also maintained their clean winning record in the tournament by securing the second game point for India after defeating Jongkolphan Kititharakul-Rawinda Prajongjai 21-16 18-21 21-16.
Tables were quickly turned in the third match of the final when women’s singles player Busanan Ongbamrungphan brought hope for Thailand by defeating Ashmita Chaliha 21-11, 21-14.
Thailand’s never-give-up attitude finally paid off when their second doubles pair, Benyapa Aimsaard-Nuntakarn Aimsaard, levelled the score for their team after beating Priya Konjengbam-Shruti Mishra 21-11, 21-9.
Anmol then went on to win the title for India, securing the game 3-2.
India also secured their berth in the upcoming Uber Cup finals in China, scheduled from April 28 to May 5, by being a top-four team in BATC. – February 18, 2024