The Indian men’s team, who are the defending world champions, began their Thomas Cup campaign against Thailand in Chengdu with a loss as HS Prannoy went down in the opening match of the tie against Kunlavut Vitidsarn. Prannoy, who has not been anywhere close to his top form in 2024, lost 20-22 14-21 convincingly as India started their campaign with a loss.
Torrid 2024 for Prannoy
HS Prannoy has had a terrible year so far. The World no. 8 shuttler has faced a series of losses since the turn of the year. His form is a matter of concern more so because of 2024 being an Olympic year.
Prannoy started his 2024 campaign with Malaysia Open where he was knocked out in the round of 32. Starting as favourites in the Indian Open, Prannoy was knocked out in semi-finals. In the Indonesia Masters, Prannoy suffered a similar fate when he was eliminated in the round of 32.
He has suffered a similar fate in the other tournaments since, being knocked out in the round of 32 in French Open, All England Badminton Championships. In the Badminton Asia Championships, Prannoy went a step further into the round of 16, but lost there. And now, this loss in the Thomas and Uber Cup finals.
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Prannoy’s form a worry before Paris Olympics
Prannoy’s torrid form comes as a worry for Indian badminton enthusiasts. With the Paris Olympics 2024 fast approaching, Prannoy would have been one of India’s main hopes for a medal in Badminton. However, for that, Prannoy needs to come back to form, something that has not been happening till now. Can Prannoy find his mojo back before the Paris Olympics gets underway? The badminton enthusiasts will be waiting with bated breath to find out the answer.
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