New Delhi, May 22: India badminton coach Pullela Gopichand lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for interacting with the Indian contingents for the Thomas and Uber Cup on Sunday. The Indian team scripted history on May 15 by winning the first-ever Thomas Cup crown since its inception in 1949.

"For the last eight years, I have seen PM Modi interacting with the players and he had been consistent with his words. Irrespective of whether players win a medal or not, PM Modi always encourages them by directly connecting with them. He follows the players and the sport," said Gopichand in a media interaction. Meanwhile, former Denmark shuttler and India's current men's doubles coach, Mathias Boe also got overwhelmed by PM Modi's gesture.

"I've been a player and won medals but have never been called by my Prime Minister to congratulate, so it is something they will really cherish and will forever remember. great morality boost to come here and meet him personally, and it was a great experience for us. I am proud to be here as a part of the team," said Mathias Boe. PM Narendra Modi Lauds Kidambi Srikanth for Leading Team India to Historic Thomas Cup Victory.

Earlier on May 15, PM Modi also had a telephonic conversation with the Indian team, immediately after they clinched the victory in the final of the Thomas Cup.

No Indian team has previously reached the final of the Thomas and Uber Cup in its 70-plus year history. Indian men reached the Thomas Cup semi-finals in 1952, 1955 and 1979 while the women's team made it to the Uber Cup top-four in 2014 and 2016.

The Indian team, featuring Lakshya Sen, Kidambi Srikanth, HS Prannoy, doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy-Chirag Shetty and others, have given a good account of themselves at this year's tournament.

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