Odds against India in Thomas Cup

New Delhi, Apr 27 (UNI) Odds are against India as they have been clubbed with defending champion China and formidable Germany in their pool in the World Team badminton championship for Thomas Cup commencing at Sendai(Japan) tomorrow.

Notwithstanding Indian shuttlers superb showing in the Commonwealth Games, it will be tough for them to make it to the second round of this prestigious event for which they have have qualified after a gap of six years.

Two bronze medals in the Commonwealth Games may have been good at that level of competition but to take on Chinese might and challenge spearheaded by Lin Dan, Chen Hong and Bao Chunlai is going to be a herculean task.

Indian challenge will be led by Chetan Anand, who is ranked world number 21 and had won a bronze in Melbourne, along with National Champion Anup Sridhar and Arvind Bhatt.

In the doubles, Rupesh Kumar is likely to pair with V Diju while Jassel Ismail will team up with Thomas Kurien for the other doubles.

Each tie consists of three singles and two doubles matches. India hopes of making it to the next round is possible only if they beat Germany.

UNI HSB DH PM2025