KUALA LUMPUR: Anmol Kharb believes her life is about to change for the better after India bagged their maiden Badminton Asia Team Championships (BATC) title today.
Anmol, 17, turned hero once again when she delivered India's winning point in the final against Thailand at the Setia City Convention Centre in Selangor.
The Indian women's team, who had never won a team event prior to this, triumphed 3-2 in the closely contested tie.
The Indian women's team had never made it past the quarter-finals since the BATC's inception in 2016.
"I'm so happy because history has been scripted here. This is the first time India have won a team title," said Anmol, who has been likened to Indian legend, Saina Nehwal.
"Yesterday, after the semi-finals, it was crazy. Everyone started messaging us to tell us how well we played and that we're very good because we've already beaten powerhouses China and Japan.
"There's going to be a huge celebration back home, and with the team today. I'm also very excited to think about the huge crowd that will welcome us at the airport when we get back," added Anmol, who showed no signs of nerves when she saw off Thailand's world No. 45 Pornpicha Choeikeewong 21-14, 21-9 in the deciding singles match.
According to world No. 472 Anmol, having the likes of former world champion P. V. Sindhu guiding her in a team event is an experience she will forever treasure.
"Everyone is very friendly, especially Sindhu 'didi', who is very calm and composed.
"Most of us are still juniors to her, but she's very good and encouraging. She always tells us to just give our best; there is no pressure."
Sindhu had put India ahead when she defeated Supanida Katethong 21-12, 21-12 before doubles duo Treesa Jolly-Gayatri Gopichand Pullela doubled their lead with a 21-16, 18-21, 21-16 win over Thailand's No. 1 Jonkolphan Kititharakul-Rawinda Prajongjai.
Thailand pulled one back through Busanan Ongbamrungphan who downed Ashmita Chaliha 21-11, 21-14, and it was all square again when Benyapa Aimsaard-Nuntakarn made quick work of Priya Konjengbam-Shruti Mishra 21-11, 21-9.
Anmol, who hails from Haryana, also paid tribute to India's chief coach Gopichand Pullela. "He's like the father of Indian badminton, and to have him sit behind and coach me between matches is a huge deal for me.
"I'm still very young, but I've already achieved this huge accomplishment.
"I think my life will change for the better. I must train harder to beat tougher and more senior opponents," said Anmol.
Semi-finalists Japan and Indonesia settled for the bronze medal. The top four teams also automatically qualify for the Uber Cup Finals in April.
