The campaign at the Sudirman Cup 2021 for the Indian Badminton Team, had not been that great having placed in a tough group – Group A – consisting of defending champion China who with 11 titles are the most successful team in Sudirman Cup’s history, Thailand and Finland.
On Wednesday 29th September, India played its last group stage match against home favorites Finland at the Energia Areena in Vantaa, Finland.
The opening tie against Thailand was crucial and deciding for India but they lost 1-4 against the Thai. Then the disappointing result of 0-5 against China. With the loss against China, India was out of advancing to the knockout stage i.e., the quarter-finals.
Sudirman Cup – Line-up for India vs Finland – at Court 1 of Energia Areena
On to the next challenge. 💪🇮🇳
Can you predict the score of today's encounter? 🤔#PBLIndia #Badminton #SudirmanCup2021 pic.twitter.com/L4HaeDvbKw
— PBL India (@PBLIndiaLive) September 29, 2021
The 1st fixture was Mixed Doubles, where India this time was represented by Arjun M.R./Ashwini Ponnappa who won the match in straight games as they defeated Anton Kristi/Jenny Nyström with a score of 21-9, 21-14 in 24 Minutes.
Next up was Men’s Singles where India’s Srikanth Kidambi faced a tough encounter against the Finnish Kalle Koljonen who won the Bronze in the 2021 European Championships. The match went into a decider as Kalle Koljonen win the 1st game after trailing in the beginning. However, the former World No.1 Srikanth Kidambi made a great comeback to win the match by 16-21, 21-14, 21-11.
India’s win was confirmed as they lead by 3-0 by winning the Women’s Singles – as two youngsters faced each other. India’s Malvika Bansod was up against 15-year-old Nella Nyqvist from Finland. The Indian won the match in two straight games 21-16, 21-11 as it lasted for 30 Minutes.
Finland won its first match at the Sudirman Cup 2021 tournament in Men’s Doubles against India. Anton Kristi/Jesper Paul of Finland won against India’s Arjun M.R./Dhruv Kapila in straight games 22-20, 21-19.
Women’s Doubles was the last fixture, where the young Indian pair showcased an attacking play. India’s Tanisha Crasto/Rutaparna Panda were leading 11-1 in the 1st game interval. The Indians won 21-12, 21-13 against Mathilda Lindholm/Jenny Nyström of Finland in about 35 Minutes.
Hence, India won 4-1 against Finland in the 2021 Sudirman Cup. However, India will play next in the Thomas and Uber Cup from October 9 – 17 in Denmark.
And that's a winnnnn! 🔥
Team 🇮🇳 puts up a dominant show to win against the host team. 💪#PBLIndia #Badminton #SudirmanCup2021 pic.twitter.com/R7K4lrHifX
— PBL India (@PBLIndiaLive) September 29, 2021
