The Bollywood Connection In India’s Historic Thomas Cup Triumph

Mumbai: As the nation celebrated the Indian badminton team’s historic Thomas Cup triumph on Sunday, Taapsee Pannu had an extra reason to rejoice.

The Bollywood actress’ boyfriend Mathias Boe happens to be the Indian team’s doubles coach, and the former Danish shuttler had a role to play in the 3-0 win over 14-time champions Indonesia in the final.

In between Lakshya Sen and Kidambi Srikanth’s singles wins, Mathias’ wards Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty clinched the crucial doubles match against their fancied Indonesian opponents to set up a famous victory.

The ‘Thappad’ actress took to social media to congratulate the team and also posted a special message for Mathias.

“Mr Coach you made us proud,” Taapsee wrote along with a picture of one of the players hugging Mathias.

Taapsee has been a cheerleader for the team throughout the tournament through social media.

Taapsee met Mathias, a silver-medallist for Denmark in doubles at the 2012 Olympic Games, when she went to watch a match some years ago.

“I didn’t want to date someone from the industry… I want to keep my personal and professional lives separate. I always share a picture with those who matter to me on their birthdays and did the same for Mathias, who is a part of my inner circle,” the actress said in an interview with E-Times last year.