PremiumBadminton Asia Team Championships - Fans ask where's the live stream for India vs Thailand Final showdown?
Despite the absence of televised coverage in India, fans turned to the official YouTube channel of the Badminton Asia Team Championships to catch the action live.
Last Updated: 09.37 AM, Feb 18, 2024
On Saturday, a spirited Indian squad etched their names in history, securing their berth in the final of the 2024 Badminton Asia Team Championships against Thailand. Despite the absence of televised coverage in India, fans turned to the official YouTube channel of the Badminton Asia Team Championships to catch the action live.
While preceding rounds were readily accessible, the final appeared absent from the channel, prompting fans to voice their concerns on the Badminton Association of India's X handle (formerly Twitter), especially given its significance as India women's first-ever final appearance.
At the time of writing this article, PV Sindhu got India to a flying start against Thailand as she gained victory over Supanida Katethong, triumphing 21-12, 21-12.
The women's doubles encounter is currently underway, featuring the Indian pairing of Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand Pullela squaring off against Jongkolphan Kititharakul and Rawinda Prajongjai, ranked World No. 23 and World No. 10 respectively. With each team securing one win apiece, the contest is deadlocked at 1-1, with the decisive third set in progress.
What happened in the Semi-finals?
Earlier on Saturday, PV Sindhu's loss did not hamper with India's quest to reach the final as they clinched a thrilling 3-2 victory over Japan in the semi-finals. This marked Sindhu's first-ever defeat against Aya Ohori in their 14 encounters.
India rallied as the doubles pairing of Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand turned the tide by defeating the World No. 6 pair Nami Matsuyama and Chiharu Shida with a hard-fought 21-17, 16-21, 22-20.
ALSO READ | Badminton Asia Team Championship 2024: Indian women's team confirm maiden medal after 3-0 win over Hong Kong
Ashmita Chaliha then orchestrated an upset of her own, defeating former world champion Nozomi Okuhara in straight games with scores of 21-17, and 21-14.
However, in the subsequent doubles match, Sindhu and Ashwini Ponnappa - a new pair due to Tanisha Crasto's injury - succumbed to Rena Miyaura and Ayako Sakuramoto in straight sets, falling 14-21, 11-21.
With the scoreboard deadlocked at 2-2, all eyes turned to Anmol Kharb, and the 17-year0old did not disappoint as the 472-ranked Indian displayed remarkable composure to overcome Natsuki Nidaira and secure India's berth in the final.