Badminton
Thomas Cup 2026: India loses semi-final; wins bronze – Highlights
Check out all the Highlights from the 2026 Thomas Cup Semi-final between India and France.
Indian men's badminton team celebrate after winning the 2026 Thomas Cup quarter-finals (Photo credit: Badminton Photo/BWF)
2026 Thomas Cup Highights: The Indian men's badminton team clinched a bronze medal at the 2026 Thomas Cup, losing their semi-final 0-3 to France in Horsens, Denmark on Saturday.
All three of Ayush Shetty, Kidambi Srikanth, and HS Prannoy lost their respective singles matches in straight games as India failed to advance to the final.
While Shetty went down 11-21, 9-21 to Christo Popov, Srikanth lost out 16-21, 18-21 to Alex Lanier.
Prannoy then surrendered 19-21, 16-21 to Toma Junior Popov as France reached their first Thomas Cup final.
The men's doubles pair of Hariharan Amsakarunan-Arjun MR and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy-Chirag Shetty weren't even called into action.
Earlier, Lakshya Sen was ruled out of the semi-final after having picked up an elbow injury during the quarter-final match.
Highlights:
Live Updates
- 3 May 2026 12:04 AM IST
HS Prannoy senses a comeback
Four in a row now from Prannoy as he lands a perfect smash to Popov's backhand side. 11-13 as the cheer squad continue to egg him on.
However, his run of points is broken by Popov with a smart deft touch. 11-14.
- 3 May 2026 12:02 AM IST
A mini fightback from Prannoy?
Three straight points for Prannoy now as Toma Junior Popov errs on backline judgement.
The Indian has reduced the deficit to three points at 10-13. Is this a fightback?
- 3 May 2026 12:01 AM IST
Toma Junior Popov loses a challenge
Toma Junior Popov feels his shot has landed inside the sidelines and asks for a review. Replays shows that it has landed outside.
Prannoy trails 9-13.
- 3 May 2026 12:00 AM IST
Unlucky, Prannoy!
HS Prannoy wins the first point after the mid-game interval but then has a very unlucky moment.
His dribble from the frontcourt, hits the tip of the net and lands on his own side of the court.
- 2 May 2026 11:58 PM IST
The doubles pairs warming up
The men's doubles 2 pair of Hariharan-Arjun and Adam-Rossi are warming up on the practice courts.
But will their services even be required tonight? I doubt.
- 2 May 2026 11:57 PM IST
HS Prannoy TRAILS!
Seven of the last eight points in the name of Toma Junior Popov as he turns the tide.
The world No 17 has opened up a five-point advantage at 11-6 before the mid-game interval.
India, unfortuantely, look set for a bronze medal exit.
- 2 May 2026 11:54 PM IST
HS Prannoy trailing
This is very similar to the latter stages of the first games. The two shuttlers keep exchanging serves and points. 5-5.
But Toma Junior Popov has come up with two-straight point, the last of those with a good cross court smash to open up a 7-5 lead.
As I type it, he rushes on to the net and pushes the shuttle into Prannoy's body. The Indian is down 5-8 now.
- 2 May 2026 11:51 PM IST
Popov equalises!
A lovely smash from Toma Junior Popov and HS Prannoy fails to return it cleanly despite getting a decent connect. The Indian trails 2-3.
Popov then comes up with an even better down-the-line smash. Prannoy couldn't even get his racquet around this time. 3-3.
- 2 May 2026 11:49 PM IST
Prannoy with an early lead
Much like the opening game, HS Prannoy starts strong as Toma Junior Popov takes his time to settle in. Prannoy leads 3-1.
- 2 May 2026 11:47 PM IST
Now or never for India
HS Prannoy to receive from the near end to start the second game. It is now or never for India and for Prannoy. They are on the brink...
