From near defeat to champions! "Bas-Fem" achieve a victory earned with an unyielding heart.
If there is a badminton match this year that was thrilling, exciting, and full of twists, it must be the mixed doubles final at the "Yonex-Sunrise India Open 2026," a World Tour Super 750 event. "Bas" Dechapol Puavaranukroh and "Fem" Supissara Paewsampran, the world No. 4 pair, came from behind to beat Denmark’s Mathias Christiansen and Alexandra Bøje, ranked 12th globally, 2-1 in games 19-21, 25-23, 21-18. They nearly lost the second game after the Danish pair reached four match points, but Bas-Fem fought every shot and every point until they turned it around.
Badminton fans worldwide who watched the match commented on social media that it was one of the most suspenseful and breath-taking matches, praising the excellence of both pairs, especially Bas-Fem.
"MVP = Dechapol" or "An outstanding match, excellent from both pairs, especially the Thai duo."
"It was a very great final. Thanks to both pairs for their full dedication and for giving the fans an exciting match. Love you all."
"A mixed doubles final without any Chinese players is unusual, but it was very enjoyable to watch. The hugs after the match showed true sportsmanship."
The Thai pair have won eight titles together since forming their partnership in late 2024. They have grown increasingly in sync through hard training, discipline, and determination to perform at their best. Their dedication paid off with five championships last year, continuing into the first month of 2026 with another title.
Success at the India Open was not just about technique, skill, or strength, but about the "heart" that Dechapol and Supissara never gave up on, even when they seemed destined to finish as runners-up.
"Facing tough days makes us fly higher because we have a strong mind. No matter how hard the path is, if we believe it’s possible, we will make it happen," Bas-Fem have embraced this approach throughout their badminton careers, achieving the success they have today.
Their opponents have also been a factor pushing Bas-Fem to elevate their game and become a leading force in world mixed doubles.
Mathias Christiansen and Alexandra Bøje fully showcased their potential in the final. This pair had an excellent 2025, winning three titles together.
Other pairs also provide mutual motivation in professional badminton, especially the dominant Chinese pairs Feng Yanzhe-Huang Dongping, world No. 1, and Jiang Zhenbang-Wei Yaxin, world No. 2, who remain tough challenges for all teams.
Bas described 2025 as a good year and expressed a desire to keep progressing in 2026. He does not want to stop but aims to deliver his best, focusing on each match and giving full effort every time.
Fem shared similar views, saying she never expected their partnership to yield such rapid and surprising success with five titles last year. She wants to maintain good results but avoids setting high expectations to prevent pressure.
To date, Bas and Fem have shown the world that they possess skill, a strong heart, full support, and encouragement from all directions. These combined factors have enabled their continuous pursuit of success, and they remain committed to ongoing self-improvement.
Dechapol Puavaranukroh and Supissara Paewsampran exemplify the saying, "Every difficult day is a testament to the value of success." (Watch video)