“She (Anmol Kharb) played outstandingly well, I have to say. Look at her temperament at this age”, Indian badminton head coach Pullela Gopichand just couldn’t stop himself. On Saturday, the Indian women had just made the Asian Team Championship final and Gopichand was understandably elated.
PV Sindhu, on a comeback trail, hadn’t won her match and that meant there was pressure on the rest of the team. And when it became 2-2 the pressure was intense on Anmol with a historic final appearance in sight. It was all about pressure and soaking in the occasion. Against the hosts (Thailand), who the Indian men lost narrowly 2-3 on Friday afternoon, it was pressure. More so in front of a raucous home crowd. On Saturday, every point in favour of Japan was being cheered and Anmol had to deal with a second opponent in the home fans!
“She never lost her calm, and again I am telling you this was a special effort. To be able to do this in a semi- final speaks of her temperament,” added Gopichand.
When asked if she is the next big thing possible for Indian badminton, Gopi was cautious. “I don’t want to say that for we have said that about a few players and it doesn’t always work. But yes, there is no debate this kid is a very special talent and has the potential to make it big”, he concluded.
Can India go all the way on Sunday morning? Can Sindhu lead the way for Anmol to win her first team title at 16? And has India found its next superstar? For the moment though it is a historic final that we celebrate and celebrate Anmol for her special effort.
The Indian Women’s Badminton Team has reached the Final of #BadmintonAsiaChampionships by defeating Japan 3-2. They’ll face Thailand in the Final.
P.V Sindhu lost to Ohori A 2-0, but Anmol Kharb and Ashmita Chaliha both defeated Nidaira and Okuhara 2-0 respectively!
The duo… pic.twitter.com/uORbwCZFiS
— RevSportz (@RevSportz) February 17, 2024