In 2018, following a successful run that included a bronze medal at the Asian Championships and a gold medal in the mixed team event at the Commonwealth Games, HS Prannoy’s career got derailed.
HS Prannoy, a leading figure in Indian badminton, is geared up to show his wares at the Paris 2024 Olympics. His path to Olympic qualification has been anything but smooth, riddled with challenges that demanded immense mental fortitude to overcome.
Born in Delhi in 1992, Prannoy Haseena Sunil Kumar, now known as HS Prannoy, traces his badminton roots back to his father, Sunil Kumar, a retired air force officer and badminton enthusiast. Witnessing his father compete in outdoor tournaments in Kerala ignited a spark in young Prannoy, leading him to pick up the racquet at the age of 10.
Possessing a natural aptitude for the sport, Prannoy grasped the fundamentals quickly and began participating in tournaments within a year. Kerala served as his training ground until the age of 16, where he honed his skills under the guidance of his father and local coaches. In 2008, he transitioned to national camps in Hyderabad, a move that marked the beginning of his journey towards professional badminton.
The shift to Hyderabad and the Pullela Gopichand Academy introduced Prannoy to the rigors of professional badminton. Weight training, a novel concept for Prannoy, presented a significant physical and mental challenge during his initial years. Furthermore, a language barrier added another layer of difficulty, hindering social interaction with fellow trainees. Despite these obstacles, Prannoy persevered, driven by the near-term goal of becoming the top-ranked junior player in India.
A thumbs up from ace Indian shuttler HS Prannoy // Picture Courtesy — Moneycontrol
Training at the Gopichand Academy opened doors for Prannoy to participate in junior and senior national-level competitions. His first major breakthrough came in 2010 with a bronze medal at the BWF World Junior Championships held in Mexico. This success continued later that year, as he secured a silver medal at the 2010 Summer Youth Olympics in Singapore. Prannoy maintained his winning momentum in 2011, bagging a silver medal at the Bahrain International event. Unfortunately, injuries disrupted the trajectory of his nascent career, forcing him into a lengthy two-year recovery period.
Following his recovery, Prannoy returned to the badminton scene with renewed determination. His post-injury achievements showcase his unwavering dedication:
Prannoy celebrates after winning a point // Picture Courtesy — NDTV
In 2018, following a successful run that included a bronze medal at the Asian Championships (Wuhan) and a gold medal in the mixed team event at the Commonwealth Games (Australia), Prannoy received a diagnosis of Gastro esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). This chronic condition manifests through symptoms like heartburn, abdominal and chest pain, and vocal cord inflammation, presenting a new obstacle for Prannoy to overcome.
Undeterred, Prannoy adopted a two-pronged approach to manage his condition. First, he meticulously adjusted his diet to address gut health issues. Second, he identified a suitable strength and conditioning regimen. This involved continuous dietary modifications and, more importantly, incorporating breathing techniques specifically tailored for badminton. Although meditation and breathing exercises were initially outside his area of interest, embracing these practices facilitated his rise in the game.
