Badminton News: For someone so talented and tireless, HS Prannoy remained a marginal player for too long before emerging from the shadow of a major player. He is now India’s biggest medal hope at this year’s World Championships and the Paris Olympics next year.

At 31, HS Prannoy combines vast experience, skill and a tireless attitude to eclipse even the youngest opponents with his unbridled passion and childlike enthusiasm for continuous improvement. He is in the form of his life and could surprise the best in Copenhagen when the World Championships kick off on August 21.

In a chat with Sportsstar, HS Prannoy shared his thoughts on the game and his dreams ahead.

How was your campaign on the international circuit?

“Honestly, I had a lot of fun. Winning the Malaysian Open was a big win and I’m happy to have been consistent in the following tournaments as well, beating some of the top players,” HS Prannoy said at the start. .

How important is this victory when you look to the future, especially as the Olympics approach?

“Winning the Malaysian Open is definitely a big win as it kicks off Paris’ Olympic qualifying cycle. It gives me a lot of confidence. I’m in a much better state of mind and physically too. I hope to continue “, did he declare. .

What big difference do you see in yourself now?

“There is a lot of understanding on what needs to be done to produce a better performance. Like planning training sessions and looking critically at previous tournaments. I think a lot of things are just put in the right place. “

Do you feel like you are slowly but surely getting closer to every athlete’s dream of winning an Olympic medal?

“I think it’s too early to think about Olympic medals. Maybe I can answer that question in six to eight months. But before that there are a lot of important events and I really want to win more titles. There are some who have to I work very hard to get them. I came in second place. Things are not easy for me. I always have to work hard to be recognized. But I am quite satisfied with the way things are happening now.

After an impressive Tour of Asia and Australia, you will head to the World Championships. How do you rate your chances?

“The World Championships will be a bit more difficult. I just competed on the Asian circuit and I only have two weeks to prepare. So the Worlds will be a different challenge,” Prannoy said.

According to the draw, you will meet Viktor Axelsen in the quarter-finals. Having beaten him twice recently, how do you rate him and your chances of winning against him again?

“It’s too early to talk about a possible meeting with Viktor. Before that, I have to beat some very good players and then think about it. As I said, I’m going to take the tournament game by game and not invite the pressure by thinking too far and too much.” concluded the champion of the Malaysian Masters 2023.

Article Tags: HS Prannoy, victor axelsen, BWF World Championships 2023, Paris 2024 Olympics