Hope Thomas Cup win will do for badminton what 1983 World Cup win did for cricket: Coach Vimal Kumar | Badminton News – Times of India

Bangkok: Coach of the Indian men’s badminton team Vimal Kumar Historic Hope on Sunday Thomas Cup Triumph will do the same to the country’s shuttle sport as the 1983 World Cup victory did to cricket.
In a summit showdown in Bangkok, beating 14-time winners Indonesia 3-0, target army, Kidambi Srikanto and couple pair Chirag Shetty And Satwiksairaj Rankireddy One of the most remarkable feats in the country’s sporting history.
Thomas Cup win: Wish Team India
It was no surprise that Kumar was unable to describe the historic victory.
“I have no words to describe it, we always had expectations but the way the players played, they performed out of the blue. It was really fantastic. We had such a bad record against Indonesia and went 3-0 up. Had to win. Unbelievable,” Kumar told PTI from Bangkok.
The coach, who did his job quietly, said, “In 1983, when India won the Cricket World Cup, the excitement was something else but cricket was always a very popular sport and I hope with this performance, now badminton can also be made.” So popular.”

“It’s always been about individual achievements but it was a team performance and I expect the popularity of the sport to grow from here.”
Kumar called it the biggest achievement of Indian badminton so far.
“I would give it the highest rating ever. Of course, Prakash and Gopi won All England, Sindhu wins, all great achievements. But what we have done as a team, we have not done (earlier) as a team. You call a badminton nation when you win a team championship, I would rate it as the best.

“I’m glad I could see it in my lifetime. It’s like a dream come true for me.”
India, who have never reached the last-four stage since 1979, got the better of formidable Malaysia and Denmark en route to the summit clash in this edition of the tournament.
Needless to say, the day’s victory came with the most fanfare in the Indian camp, less than 48 hours after they celebrated their victory over Denmark.

“I have never seen him so enthusiastic, it is an achievement of pure team spirit which I have not seen in the past. We always had good players but the priority was on individual players and tournaments. We have a balanced team and it did the trick. .
“What the doubles players have done in each and every match is amazing, earlier we were dependent on singles but Satwik and Chirag pulled out all the pressure matches, so a lot of credit to Lakhya, Srikanth and HS Prannoy as they played the key. But given. I am lucky, lucky coach to be here with him.”
“This is the best achievement of Indian badminton, and I am extremely proud to be a part of this historic team. It is a wonderful group of players.”

Vimal also credited Srikkanth and Prannoy for playing a key role in motivating the players.
“I would give a lot of credit to these guys, they would sit with the players, talk to them and inspire each other.
“When the old player takes the initiative and inspires the players, his words of comfort make a big difference. He firmly believed that he would be able to win and that belief changed things for us. It was a wonderful team. The effort was there. The coaches worked hard, so overall it’s a great effort.”

Asked if Srikanth has regained his mojo after struggling for 3-4 years after his exploits in 2017, Vimal said: “Yes, I think so, we are seeing glimpses of it at the World Championships.” Well, he was showing progress but for three years he hasn’t. ‘No good. In 2017 he was awesome, but very happy to see him come back. He has become a great motivator for young players.’
After being off-coloured against Malaysia and Denmark, Lakshya Sen finally won with a three-game win over Anthony Ginting.
Vimal said that Lakshya had food poisoning after eating something at the Bangalore airport.
“..The whole flight he was sick. We forced him to play against Germany and after that he was rested, but we had to field him, so it was tough for him.
“He got better every day, and today against Ginting he beat him in Germany, but I thought he would lose after being bad in the first game, but he came back, I am really proud of him that he did today. What did you do. .”
Vimal said that this performance will motivate the players to perform well in upcoming major events like Commonwealth Games and Asian Games.