H.S. Prannoy aims for a return to form after skipping the World Championships in Delhi, stating he won't relinquish his place in the sport.

For more than ten years, H.S. Prannoy has been a steadfast figure in Indian badminton, consistently contributing to the sport's growth on the global stage. However, as the World Championships approach in New Delhi, a new generation of players, including Lakshya Sen and Ayush Shetty, is stepping into the limelight, leaving Prannoy to reflect on his journey from the sidelines. At 34, he acknowledges the shift in responsibility but remains determined to hold onto his competitive spirit.

In a candid conversation, Prannoy expressed his reluctance to relinquish his role, stating, “I’m not ready to give up the torch. I’ll still try for another year or two.” He admitted that the past two years have been challenging, filled with disappointments that come with not performing at his best. “You always want to play at the top level, and when that doesn’t happen, you’re disappointed. I would’ve loved to play in New Delhi next week,” he shared, highlighting his desire to compete at the highest level.

Despite his frustrations, Prannoy approaches his situation with a sense of perspective gained from over a decade in the sport. He noted, “The problem with us players is that we forget what we did in the last 15 years and only think about what’s coming next.” This reflection allows him to appreciate his past achievements, even as he grapples with the reality of not qualifying for this year's championships. “At this point, it’s important to acknowledge that we did what we could, and this year I couldn’t; I wasn’t at my best in the last few months,” he explained, emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance in the face of setbacks.

Prannoy views the emergence of younger players not as a threat but as a necessary evolution in the sport. He believes that athletes like himself should not dominate the rankings at their age. “Honestly, they should beat me at this age; they’re faster than me,” he remarked, underscoring his commitment to pushing the next generation. His competitive drive remains strong, as he aims to reclaim his place among the top players. “I still feel that over the next two years I’ll put in everything to get back to the top 10,” he stated, demonstrating his unwavering determination to compete.

As he prepares for the future, Prannoy remains hopeful and motivated, not only for himself but also for his peers like K. Srikanth. “I’m not ready to give up the torch because deep down, if the body allows it, I’ll still be there,” he concluded, affirming his resolve to continue fighting until the very end. Until that moment arrives, Prannoy's journey in badminton is far from over.