AT LEAST Malaysia can salvage some pride that it lost the quarterfinal stage of the Thomas Cup to a worthy opponent – India – who eventually lifted the coveted trophy for the first time in the country’s history.
Pretty much unheralded and regarded as an easy prey, Malaysia went down in a hard-fought 2-3 despite singles ace Lee Zii Jia having paved the way with a straight sets win over Lakshya Sen.
But India had the final laugh when it turned the table on Malaysia who last won the Thomas Cup in 1992 ‘to slip’ into the semifinal stage where it created another upset by toppling European powerhouse Denmark with a similar 3-2 margin.
But barely 24 hours after South Korea shocked the badminton world by lifting the Uber Cup at the expense of favourites China, India dethroned defending champion and 14-time Thomas Cup winner Indonesia with a formidable 3-0 scoreline.
How an underdog like India can emerge triumphant as a dominant force to be reckoned with in the badminton world four decades after Prakash Padukone put the country’s name on the sport’s international map by winning the All England title in 1980 is nothing short of fascinating.
As much has already been said of India’s road to success in this surprise victory, let’s focus on some self-reflection courtesy of netizen Firdaus Mohd:
“As much has already been said of India’s road to success in this surprise victory, let’s focus on some self-reflection courtesy of netizen Firdaus Mohd:“At the Athens Olympics in 2004, India only had one men’s singles shuttler who was eliminated in the first round.
“Today, India lifted the Thomas Cup by triumphing over 14-time champion Indonesia. At this moment in time, India has many world class players.
“Imagine how India has built a formidable squad in a span of 18 years. Recall how in the past, South Korea would be worried sick to face Malaysia in a football match. We were world champions in badminton. Needless to say, so did we excel in hockey.
“Today, we can’t even win sepak takraw. Don’t mention football. We were even defeated by India who was once an underdog.
“But thankfully we are still a champion in some ways. A champion in corruption. We possess many skills in this area. Under the table, on top of the table, side table, behind the table – just name it and we have it.
“There are many terms to it – literally, kaotim, coffee money, prize, cake, hand over (hulur), side eating (makan tepi). There are also many players around. From very old to young, to religious scholars, uniformed staff, personal assistants, secretaries, departmental heads and agency heads. All at professional level.
“No country will be able to topple us in a graft tournament.” – May 16, 2022
