The Indian badminton team's performance at the Thomas Cup 2026, held in Denmark from April 24 to May 3, has brought immense pride to Ludhiana. Dhruv Kapila, a talented shuttler from the city, was an integral part of the Indian squad that secured a bronze medal by defeating Chinese Taipei 3-0.
India's Thomas Cup 2026 Campaign
The Indian men's team, comprising Lakshay Sen, Ayush Shetty, Kidambhi Srikanth, Chirag Shetty, and Dhruv Kapila, showcased exceptional skill and determination throughout the tournament. Their victory over Chinese Taipei in the bronze medal match was a testament to their hard work and teamwork.
Dhruv Kapila's Journey
Dhruv Kapila's journey in badminton began at the age of nine at a local academy in Ludhiana. His first coach, Anand Tiwari, recalled, "Dhruv was just nine years old when he started practicing, and now he is one of the best athletes representing India globally. He was very sincere from the beginning, and after turning 13, he moved to Hyderabad to prepare optimally."
Dhruv's father, Gagan Kapila, expressed his pride, saying, "He left home early for his passion for badminton. I feel he is always with us through his continuous achievements. I credit his journey to God; he has made the country proud." Family members noted that despite his busy schedule with training camps and tournaments worldwide, his brief visits home are cherished moments.
Current Ranking and Goals
Dhruv Kapila currently holds the world rank of 21 in badminton according to BWF rankings. His immediate target is to break into the top 10, and his ultimate goal is to win an Olympic medal. He has already achieved numerous national and international titles, including gold at the South Asian Games 2019 in men's doubles, mixed doubles, and team events; bronze at the Asia Team Championship 2020; silver at the Asian Games 2022; and gold at the Thomas Cup 2022 as part of the winning squad. He also secured a bronze medal at the Asia Mixed Team Championship 2023 in Dubai.
