Horsens (Denmark), 2 May. India’s campaign in the World Men’s Team Badminton Championship being played here for the Thomas Cup came to an end on Saturday night when the 2022 champions suffered a 0-3 defeat at the hands of France in a one-sided semi-final. After this defeat, the Indian team will now have to be satisfied with the bronze medal.
Still Among the World’s Best.
From Bangkok 2022 to the podium once again, India’s dominance in the Thomas Cup continues. While the color isn’t what we aimed for, securing a Bronze on the world stage is a massive feat for Indian Badminton. This team never stops inspiring
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— BAI Media (@BAI_Media) May 2, 2026
France is the second European country after Denmark to get a ticket for the final.
It is noteworthy that apart from the gold medal in 2022, India had won bronze medals in 1952, 1955 and 1979. Now his fourth bronze medal will come in his account. With this win, France became the second European country to reach the final after Denmark won the first title in 2016.
With former world number one Kidambi Srikanth in place of injured Lakshya Sen, India played the semi-finals on court number two of the Forum Horsens, losing the first three singles rubbers and took a decisive lead, after which there was no need for the doubles rubber.
Grit. Heart. India.
While the result tonight didn’t go our way, the fire and determination on the court reminded the world why we are champions. We take the lessons, the memories, and the Bronze back home
#ThomasCup2026 #Horsens2026 pic.twitter.com/UY5uyAPlYc
— BAI Media (@BAI_Media) May 2, 2026
Indian shuttler Ayush Shetty loses to Kristo Popov in straight games
World number Ayush Shetty, who had easily defeated world number eight and current All England Open champion Lin Chun-Yi of Chinese Taipei 24 hours earlier, was disappointed in the first singles rubber when world number four Christo Popov defeated the 20-year-old Indian shuttler 21-11, 21-9 in just 39 minutes.
Thomas Cup – Semifinal showdown as France
steps up against India
.#ThomasUberCupFinals #Horsens2026 pic.twitter.com/qhyR8m63kU
— BWF (@bwfmedia) May 2, 2026
Srikanth and Prannoy also could not challenge the high ranking shuttlers much.
In the second singles, world number 30 Kidambi Srikanth challenged world number 10 Alex Lanier but lost 16-21, 18-21 in 41 minutes. Then the responsibility was on world number 35 HS Prannoy. 2023 World Championship bronze medalist Prannoy also put up a better challenge but lost to world number 17 Toma Junior Popov 19-21, 16-21 in 48 minutes. With this, India lost a decisive lead of 03.
Ayush could not put pressure on Christo
Ayush said, ‘I am a little disappointed with today’s performance, but Christo played very well. He was putting a lot of pressure on me. I think my strategy was not right, I will say that. I think today he completely defeated me. He said, ‘My aim was to put pressure on him, but he did not give me any chance to put a shot on the net. I think he dominated the net and his shots were also a little sharper today. That’s what made the difference.
Vimal Kumar said – the lack of goal was clearly felt
Former India head coach Vimal Kumar said that Lakshya Sen’s absence was a big blow and his absence was clearly felt in the match against France. He said, ‘Today France completely outclassed India and the lack of goals at important moments was clearly felt. It is time for India to unite again and come back even stronger. No question can be raised on the ability of this team.
Dream run for France!
Follow live action:
#ThomasUberCupFinals #Horsens2026 pic.twitter.com/Q4GZE8BasA— BWF (@bwfmedia) May 2, 2026
France will now have a title meeting with China
France will now meet China for the Thomas Cup on Sunday, having defeated hosts Denmark 3-1 on court number one in the second semi-final of the evening session.
What are your thoughts on today’s results?
#ThomasUberCupFinals #Horsens2026 #ThomasCup #UberCup pic.twitter.com/xI8QyelMWB
— BWF (@bwfmedia) May 2, 2026
China and Korea face to face for Uber Cup
On the other hand, there will be a title clash between China and Korea in the Women’s World Team Badminton Championship i.e. Uber Cup. In the semi-finals played during the day on Saturday, China defeated Japan 3-0 while Korea won 3-1 over Indonesia.
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