India retained the Thomas Cup — men's badminton's most prestigious team title — with a 3-2 victory over China in Kuala Lumpur, winning consecutive editions for the first time in Indian badminton history.

The tie went to a fifth rubber after both singles and doubles results left the teams tied at 2-2. H.S. Prannoy, who had come into the tournament under fitness concerns, produced the decisive performance: defeating China's world number three Shi Yuqi 21-19, 19-21, 21-17 in a match that lasted 81 minutes and featured shuttle speeds exceeding 350 km/h during the closing exchanges.

Lakshya Sen won the opening singles in straight games, showcasing the technical consistency that has made him the anchor of the Indian team in both individual and team events. Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty lost the first doubles rubber but recovered to win a tense third doubles — an emotional rollercoaster that set up the dramatic denouement.

India's Badminton Association confirmed that the national training centre in Hyderabad will be expanded and renamed the Thomas Cup Centre in honour of successive victories.