He was battling with an injured back. He was staring defeat. But the fighter in Prannoy stepped up when it mattered the most as the World No.7 assured India an Asian Games medal in Men’s Singles after 41 years. He saved two matchpoints and pulled off an epic 21-16, 21-23, 22-20 win against Malaysia’s Lee Zii Jia in the quarterfinal on Thursday, 5th October 2023.
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Prannoy was on the verge of losing the contest by trailing 18-20 in the deciding third game of the match. The 31-year old was however not the one to succumb to the pressure. He was up for the fight and initially saved a match point to reduce the deficit. He then placed a smas that landed perfectly on the line to level the scores.
Facing the heat, Lee Zii Jia made an unforced error gifting the match point back to Prannoy. The Indian kept his cool and with a cross-court smash sealed the deal. The World No.7 fell on the court, soaked in the applause, got up and removed his shirt as he walked to his coach Pullela Gopichand, who had tears of joy, as they embraced in a celebratory hug. Prannoy also showcased his dance skills.
Prannoy’s Battle with the back injury
This victory is a testament to his mental toughness as he was battling with backpain throughout the contest. His back was heavily strapped and he had to take medical timeout in between the match to receive treatment.
Prannoy suffered the injury during the Men’s team event earlier in the tournament. The injury forced him to miss India’s gold medal match against China. India went on to lose the contest 2-3 and settled for silver.
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Prannoy however returned back to action in the Men’s singles. Before this contest, he sailed past Kazakhstan’s Dmitriy Panarin 21-12, 21-13 in the Round of 16. Following his epic victory in the quarterfinal, he will next face either Anthony Ginting or China’s Li Shi Feng in the semifinal.
The last Indian to win an Asian Games medal in Men’s Singles Badminton was Syed Modi in 1982. He won the bronze back then. No Indian male shuttler has so far played in the final in singles at the Asian Games. Prannoy will now look to achieve the feat.
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