Asian Games 2023: HS Prannoy Clinches Historic Medal, PV Sindhu Exits in Quarters

In a historic achievement for Indian badminton, HS Prannoy battled through severe back spasms to secure a semifinal spot in the men’s singles event at the 19th Asian Games. This remarkable feat makes him the first Indian in 41 years to clinch a badminton medal in men’s singles at the Asian Games. Prannoy displayed extraordinary resilience as he outshone Malaysia’s Lee Zii Jia with a scoreline of 21-16, 21-23, 22-20 in a grueling quarterfinal match.

An Exceptional Performance

Playing through the pain with taping on his lower back and a concealed belt, Prannoy’s determination shone through. He battled back spasms to secure a well-deserved victory. After the match, Prannoy expressed, “I’m not at all in a condition where I could say I’m 80 per cent right. But I think to pull off something like this, I would give a lot of credit to myself. I think the will to fight was always there. So I think that paid off.” His spirited performance ended India’s long wait for a men’s singles badminton medal at the Asian Games, with the last one being won by Syed Modi in 1982.

In contrast to Prannoy’s heroics, PV Sindhu faced disappointment as she exited the women’s singles event in the quarterfinals. She went up against world No.5 Chinese He Bingjiao and lost with a scoreline of 16-21, 12-21 in a 47-minute match. This marked the first time in nine years that Sindhu returned from a major tournament without a medal. Sindhu had previously secured bronze and silver medals in the 2014 Incheon and 2018 Jakarta Asian Games, respectively.

Prannoy’s Resilient Journey

HS Prannoy’s remarkable journey in the quarterfinals saw him rally from a 5-11 deficit to claim the opening game. He even held two match points in the second game before his opponent made a comeback. However, Prannoy didn’t lose heart and continued his fight in the decider, ultimately securing a memorable victory. Prannoy’s tenacity and mental fortitude were evident throughout the match.

PV Sindhu struggled to find her rhythm against He Bingjiao, who displayed precise placements and smashes. Despite a brief fightback in the second game, Sindhu couldn’t maintain her momentum. Her opponent’s accurate play and relentless pace made it challenging for Sindhu to make a comeback.

HS Prannoy’s historic achievement at the Asian Games 2023 showcases the indomitable spirit of Indian athletes. Playing through adversity, he secured a well-deserved spot in the semifinals, bringing honor to the nation. While PV Sindhu faced a disappointing exit, her resilience and determination remain unwavering, promising future successes.