HS Prannoy entered the Badminton Asia Championships with high hopes of clinching a medal for India. His impressive form was evident from the outset when he secured a hard-fought victory against the local favourite, Lu Guang Zu, in the opening round, marking his first triumph over a Chinese opponent.
The encounter with Zu turned into an epic battle, lasting over 90 minutes with intense rallies for each point. However, Prannoy’s triumph was short-lived as he found himself back on the court within a mere half day, lacking adequate rest.
In the round of 16, the Indian seventh seed, visibly fatigued, succumbed to Chun Yi Lin from Chinese Taipei in straight sets, 18-21, 11-21.
Reflecting on the gruelling schedule, Prannoy expressed his frustration with the tournament’s timing, emphasizing the importance of sufficient rest for athletes’ recovery and performance. Despite the setback, he remains focused on controlling what he can, acknowledging the challenges as part of the sport’s demands.
“I think the scheduling is sometimes cruel to the players because I remember in BAC by the time I slept at 3 am. It is tough to sleep more than five or six hours and then you try to gain your energy back and recover from the grind.”
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Recovery is important: HS Prannoy
“Recovery is an important aspect of any athlete’s fitness and once you have inadequate sleep, the recovery won’t have the same rhythm.”
Looking ahead to future tournaments, including the World Championships and Olympics in Paris, Prannoy emphasizes the need to prepare physically for enduring matches, recognizing the inevitability of such tests at elite levels.
“I think it’s part and parcel of it. You can’t complain about it, just have to work a little bit more than the others to make sure that you are recovering well than others.”
While the early exit from the Badminton Asia Championships may sting, Prannoy has secured a spot at the upcoming Olympics, marking his debut at the prestigious event. With his eyes set on the Thomas Cup and beyond, Prannoy remains determined to contribute to India’s badminton success on the global stage.
Following the loss HS Prannoy along with Tanisha Crasto were even seen inaugurating a Victor Showroom in Delhi. Prannoy is the brand ambassador of the company which sells sporting goods
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