New Delhi: In a bustling badminton arena, where every swing and every point is a step towards Olympic dreams, Prannoy HS, world No. 8, is gearing up for an important journey.
As the India Open Super 750 approaches, Prannoy finds himself at a crossroads, with his eyes not only on winning on the court but also on that elusive ticket to the Paris Olympics in the coming months.
Indian shuttlers will aim to earn valuable points and stake a claim for Olympic berths in all categories at the India Open Super 750 to be held at the Indira Gandhi Stadium from January 16-21, 2024.
The road ahead is tough, starting with a first-round defeat against Chinese Taipei’s Chou Tien Chen. With the Olympics around the corner, Prannoy’s approach is simple but profound – “one match at a time.” The seasoned athlete, armed with a bronze medal and hungry for more, understands the importance of pushing himself through the rigorous qualification process.
“I will aim to take one game at a time, right now my focus is on the India Open. The Paris Olympics is still a long way to go. I am not thinking too much about it. Before the Olympics we have many tournaments in between for qualification. My For me, every game matters, it’s how you move forward and you analyze and work on the mistakes that can be avoided,” Prannoy told IANS, highlighting a player’s intelligence. Said, who knows that success is the culmination of consistent performance.
However, the competition is stiff, with players like former world No. 1 Kidambi Srikanth, Commonwealth Games gold medalist Lakshya Sen and rising star Priyanshu Rajawat vying for the coveted second Indian spot at the Games. The stakes are high, and every match in the lead-up to Paris becomes a battle for supremacy and Olympic qualification.
Despite facing failures, Prannoy draws inspiration from his experiences. Considering a challenging match against Denmark’s Anders Antonsen, he acknowledges the obstacles but maintains his focus on the India Open. “It’s a very important tournament before the Olympics. I’m always hungry to go there and win tournaments. I have a lot of good memories and it’s very special for that. My body feels great now, I’m ” In a very strong mental state. Catching flu was devastating for me, I lost a lot of weight but that’s the game of badminton. You are never confident about your body. For me, being mentally and physically stable matters most,” he claims, revealing the determination that fuels his pursuit of success.
However, this trip is not just about the India Open; It is about a series of tournaments that will shape Pranay’s destiny. Keeping a strategic eye on the calendar, he envisions participation in 5 to 7 major events, with an emphasis on the importance of rest and maintaining peak physical and mental condition. The French and Indonesian Opens hold special significance, being important steps towards Prannoy’s Olympic qualification.
“Before the Olympics I will probably aim to play in 5 to 7 tournaments. Comfort is one of the key factors for me, so keeping the qualifications in mind you want good mental strength and a good body. My target will be the French Open and the Indonesian Open, which I will aim to get under my belt.
As the badminton world watches, Prannoy HS goes in search of Olympic glory. Each swing of the racquet, each strategic move, and each hard-fought point becomes part of a larger narrative – a story of determination, resilience, and the pursuit of a dream. The title is not just a destination; It’s a journey and Prannoy is ready for every step.
