India made history on Monday at the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, defeating defending champions Malaysia to win its first-ever Commonwealth Games badminton mixed team gold.
The mixed doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Ashwini Ponnappa came back from an 8-12 deficit, scoring seven points in a row to take a 15-12 lead in the decider against Malaysia’s Rio Olympic silver medalists Chan Peng Soon and Goh Liu Ying. The Indian pair eventually won 21-14, 15-21, 21-15.
Srikanth Puts India Ahead
Kidambi Srikanth, the world No. 2, then extended India’s lead to 2-0. He outlasted three-time Olympic silver medalist Lee Chong Wei in a closely contested match, winning 21-17, 21-14. It was his first win over the Malaysian icon in five career meetings.
“Perhaps Lee was not at his best but then you can never be too sure against a player like him. You always have to be on your guard, which I was. And I also gave my best. I was not expecting it to be this easy,” said Srikanth.
Malaysia Keeps Hope Alive
Goh V Shem and Tan Wee Kiong kept Malaysia in the tie by beating Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty 21-15, 22-20 in men’s doubles. The win narrowed Malaysia’s deficit to 1-2.
Nehwal Seals the Gold
India’s Saina Nehwal, the 2010 women’s singles gold medalist, sealed the title in the women’s singles. She won the first set 21-11 against Soniia Cheah, but Cheah fought back in the second set after trailing 3-7. Cheah took a medical break to tape up her bruised fingers, then clinched four straight points to lead 15-13 and went on to take the set.
The world No. 29 Cheah appeared to find another gear, returning everything Nehwal sent her way. Her strategy of pushing shuttlecocks to the lines at every opportunity nearly paid off, and she led 9-8 in the decider. However, Cheah’s speed and stamina began to fade. Nehwal took full advantage, reeling off 13 unanswered points to win the third set 21-9 and clinch the mixed team gold for India.
“It was exhausting, I actually lost focus during the match but thankfully managed to hold it together and ensure that the gold medal winning shot was mine. It is a medal that I will forever cherish, it is very special. Team gold is always way more cherish able,” said Nehwal.
“I don’t think anybody in the team is going to sleep tonight. Maybe I will just relax tomorrow and then think about the singles,” added Nehwal.