Badminton News: Despite a lot of talent and constant work, HS Prannoy has so far not obtained the expected results. He took the lead by defeating Lin Dan and Lee Chong Wei when everyone thought they were invincible. But luck only came to him in 2022 as he struggled to win major titles.

Last year was a good year for Prannoy as he played a vital role in helping India win the Thomas Cup and become India’s best badminton player.

When asked if the women in his life had given him his lucky charm, Prannoy replied, “I have to tell my wife about it. Yes, she is my lucky charm. That too is the result of the consistent process which I followed.”

HS Prannoy regards his attempt to win bronze at the World Championships as something special. Winning was a good thing, not only because of the medal, but also the way I got it.

“The draw was very difficult because I had to beat Loh Kean Yew (2021 world champion) and Viktor Axelsen (2021 world champion) and Viktor Axelsen (2021 world champion and Olympic champion) to reach the half- finals,” said Prannoy, adding that he would judge the Thomas Cup as the best.

“Winning the Thomas Cup is close to my heart, it came suddenly. After this bronze medal at the Worlds and then at the Malaysian Masters (2023), he added.

Injuries and health issues have taken their toll on his career and at times, the Kerala native feels he cannot progress. But he says his thirst for success motivates him.

“Injuries are part of everyone’s career, but I suffered them at the wrong time. It’s been a tough journey. There were times when I thought I should quit. But I kept going thanks to a lot of people, who pushed me to carry on with confidence,” he says.

HS Prannoy admits to having benefited from the return of Pullela Gopichand. Although the head coach has drawn up a training schedule, it has only been in recent months that he has started to get seriously involved in men’s singles and has even started touring with the team.

“For 14 or 15 years, I have been training with Bhayya (Gopichand). He has had some respites in the meantime but has become very active over the past six months and that has made a lot of difference,” said Prannoy who is also assisted by a former Gurusaidutt international.

“I have a good space right now. I don’t have to think about anything else because Bhayya and Guru take care of it. I just have to play according to their plan and that helps a lot,” he said.

Prannoy said he doesn’t have a favorite opponent but Loh Kean Yew is his best friend in the competition.

“In men’s singles, all the players who are in the top 35 are very dangerous. They can beat anyone any day. There is no such thing, you have to be careful against certain opponents. Every game is difficult,” he said.

His results in recent months have more or less sealed his place in the Olympics, but Prannoy refuses to accept that he is in the safe zone.

“There are still a few tournaments left. I have to work hard. It’s important to stay calm and work.”

Article tags: HS Prannoy, Paris 2024 Olympics