India Faces Setback Against France in Thomas Cup Semi-Finals
The atmosphere at the Forum Horsens Arena on May 2 was electric, more akin to a football match than a badminton showdown. As India clashed with France in the semi-finals of the Thomas Cup 2026, fans from both nations made their presence felt, creating a lively backdrop for the competition.
Despite a 0-3 defeat for India, the score doesn’t capture the intensity of the matches throughout the evening. There were moments when the French players seemed rattled, and their supporters went quiet, yet they held their ground and secured their first-ever final spot in the tournament.
Led by the Popov brothers, Toma Junior and Christo, France delivered a strong performance, winning all their matches in straight sets. This victory marked a historic achievement for France, making them only the second European team, after Denmark, to reach the finals.
India, however, was not at full strength. The absence of key player Lakshya Sen—who had shone in the quarter-finals—meant the team had to field young Ayush Shetty in the first singles and the seasoned Kidambi Srikanth in the second against world No. 10, Alex Lanier. Sen was sidelined due to a swollen elbow and foot blisters, and he could only watch as his team fell in under two hours.
The arrangement of the matches favored the French team, allowing the Popov brothers to rest before their doubles match. This strategic move left India’s singles players facing tough competition against higher-ranked opponents.
Ayush Shetty Struggles
Young Ayush Shetty fumbled under the pressure in his match against Christo Popov, losing 21-11, 21-9 in just 39 minutes. Ayush acknowledged that he struggled with Christo’s fast pace and clever tactics, saying, “He caught me off guard and put me under pressure. I didn’t play my best.”
Kidambi’s Efforts Fall Short
After Ayush’s loss, hopes rested on veteran Kidambi Srikanth. He faced Alex Lanier and gave a spirited performance, showcasing his skill and experience. However, despite some impressive rallies and tactics, Srikanth couldn’t find the winning touch, losing 21-16, 21-18, leaving India in a difficult position.
Prannoy’s Fight
HS Prannoy entered the third singles match with weighty expectations. He initially took control, energizing the crowd with chants of “HSP, HSP.” But as the match progressed, he struggled to maintain his lead against Toma Popov, eventually losing 19-21, 15-21 in a hard-fought battle.
The Impact of Lakshya’s Absence
Coach Vimal Kumar addressed the loss, emphasizing that Lakshya’s absence was keenly felt. He acknowledged France’s growth in badminton, stating, “They are progressing rapidly and showcasing real authority on the court.”
As India exits the Thomas Cup, there’s a sense that France has mirrored India’s unexpected journey to success in past tournaments. With fearless young players who left a mark on this unforgettable night in Horsens, the tides of badminton competition continue to shift.
