Indian Thomas Cup badminton heroics in Bangkok knock even cricket off front pages

India's team members pose with their nation flag and trophy after winning Thomas Cup title in Bangkok, Thailand, Sunday, May 15, 2022. The Indians shocked defending champions 3-0 in the final to lift the Thomas Cup trophy. - AP

NEW DELHI/BANGKOK, May 16, 2022 (AFP): India's historic first Thomas Cup crown was splashed across front pages Monday with some people saying it can be a turning point for badminton much like the country's maiden cricket World Cup title in 1983.

Coming in as underdogs against 14-time champions Indonesia, a ruthless India won the final of the men's team championship on Sunday in Bangkok to propel badminton to a rare place on centre stage in the cricket-crazy nation.