A Veteran’s Perspective

Currently ranked World number 35 in men’s singles, H. S. Prannoy remains a respected figure in Indian badminton. The 33-year-old recently shared insights into his motivation, mindset, and the evolving landscape of the sport during an interaction in Lucknow.

From Topsy-Turvy Beginnings to Leadership

Prannoy described his career path as topsy-turvy. He emphasized the importance of patience and trust in the process, stating, I’m glad I stayed patient through the tough phases and trusted that things would improve. The path has taught me that progress isn’t linear; you face breaks, challenges, and uncertainty. The key is to enjoy the process, push yourself into uncomfortable zones, and keep improving. Even now, I don’t consider myself a complete player; there’s always room to grow.”

Overcoming Adversity: GERD and Mental Fortitude

Prannoy has faced significant health challenges, overcoming career-threatening Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) in both 2018 and early 2025. He attributes his success in managing these setbacks to mental discipline. He believes mental preparation is a daily discipline, not just a pre-match routine.

It’s a consistent process,” he explained. “You require to address issues as they arise and discover solutions, just like physical training. Spending even 10–15 minutes a day working on your mental side helps you become more stable and focused during matches.”HS Prannoy

Navigating the Social Media Landscape

Prannoy acknowledges the double-edged sword of social media, recognizing both its potential for support, and criticism. He has learned to use criticism as fuel, stating, It’s tough when you’re not playing well, people can be critical. But when you perform, the same platform becomes a place of celebration. I’ve learned to take criticism positively. When people expect more, it means they believe in you. Even negative comments can motivate you, they push you to train harder and prove yourself again.”

Pride and Pressure in Team Events

Representing India in team competitions is a source of immense pride for Prannoy. He embraces the pressure that comes with national representation, believing it brings out his best performance. It’s always a proud moment to represent the country in such major tournaments. Being among the top 10 players chosen brings both pride and responsibility. The whole nation looks up to you for consistent performances. I love that pressure, it brings out the best in me.”

Focus on Enjoyment and the Future

Prannoy has shifted his focus away from rigid goals, prioritizing enjoyment in his game. Honestly, I have no fixed targets right now. My goal is to enjoy every tournament. After being on tour for so long, there are days when it’s hard to push yourself physically, but I remind myself why I love the game. Enjoying the process is the main focus; when that happens, results follow naturally.”

Advice for Aspiring Players

Prannoy offers encouragement to young shuttlers, emphasizing the importance of perseverance. There will always be uncertainty, but remember — sometimes it takes just six good days of badminton to change everything. Even after a bad phase, one good tournament can turn it around. Keep working hard, trust yourself, and believe that things will fall into place if you stay consistent.”

Confidence in India’s Rising Stars

Prannoy expressed optimism about the future of Indian badminton, highlighting the talent of the younger generation. He specifically mentioned Ayush, Priyanshu, and Tarun in men’s singles, and Unnathi Hooda and Tanvi Sharma in women’s singles as players to watch.