Prannoy Haseena Sunil Kumar, also known as Prannoy H.S has become one of India's most celebrated badminton players, leaving an indelible mark in the world of sports. Born on July 17, 1992, in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, Prannoy's journey is not just one of athleticism, but also perseverance, grit, and the spirit to bounce back from challenges.
Early Career: A Promising Start
From an early age, Prannoy showcased a remarkable flair for badminton. His breakthrough moment came when he won the silver medal in Boys' singles at the 2010 Summer Youth Olympics, a feat that put him on the map. This was soon followed by another silver at the Bahrain International Challenge in 2011, further cementing his potential. But as with many athletes, success wasn’t always constant. Injuries and inconsistent form made his journey rocky, but these setbacks only added to his determination.
Personal Life: Career Beginnings and Hard Work
Prannoy’s journey has been far from easy. Born into a family where sports weren’t the primary focus, his rise to badminton stardom came with hard work and sacrifice. He studied at Kendriya Vidyalaya, Akkulam and spent countless hours training, often balancing academics and sports. It was at the Gopichand Badminton Academy in Hyderabad where Prannoy honed his skills, shaping him into the athlete he is today.
Despite facing multiple setbacks in his career, Prannoy's humble attitude and determination have kept him grounded. His story is a testament to the fact that with perseverance, even the challenges can be overcome.
Struggles, Injuries, and Resilience
In 2013 and 2014, Prannoy’s career faced its share of ups and downs. Though he reached the finals in the Tata Open International Challenge in Mumbai, he continued to battle injuries that slowed his progress. But it was his remarkable spirit that saw him back in action, with notable performances at tournaments like the India Open Grand Prix Gold and the Vietnam Open Grand Prix, where he stunned everyone by reaching the final.
Prannoy's resilience truly paid off when he clinched victories at major events like the Swiss Open Grand Prix and U.S. Open, despite facing fierce competitors like Viktor Axelsen - Danish Badminton Player and Chen Long - Chinese Badminton Player.
Achievements: From the Commonwealth Games to the World Stage
1. 2018 Achievements:
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Played a key role in securing a bronze medal for India at the Commonwealth Games.
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Won another bronze medal at the Asian Championships.
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Demonstrated resilience and strong performances despite battling injuries.
2. 2022 Historic Moment:
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Played a vital role in India’s first-ever Thomas Cup victory.
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Secured crucial wins over Leong Jun Hao (Malaysia) and Rasmus Gemke (Denmark).
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Helped India make history by earning its first medal in the tournament.
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Consistent performances led to a return to the Top 15 in the BWF World Rankings after a four-year gap.
3. 2023 Career Milestone:
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Achieved his career-highest BWF ranking of World No. 6.
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Cemented his position as one of the best in men’s singles badminton.
The Victor Collaboration: A Winning Partnership
In a career where precision and performance are paramount, Prannoy’s collaboration with Victor in 2021 has been a game-changer. The brand’s top-notch badminton gear, from rackets to shoes, has become synonymous with his game. Victor’s advanced technology ensures athletes like Prannoy have the best equipment to support their dynamic playstyles. This partnership has allowed Prannoy to bring out the best in himself and, in turn, showcase his skills on the world stage. He has also marked his presence at the Victor Delhi, Chennai & Hyderabad stores during their inaugurations, further solidifying his association with the brand.
Prannoy's Gear: Victor's Precision & Performance
As a professional athlete, Prannoy relies on top-of-the-line gear to maintain his performance. He uses the Victor DriveX-10 METALLIC-B G5 unstrung defensive badminton racket, which offers the perfect balance of control and power for his aggressive style. His racket bag of choice is the Victor BR9613 AJ Rectangular Racket Bag, designed to store his gear efficiently and keep him prepared for every match. For footwear, Prannoy trusts the Victor P8500II-C Support Series Professional Badminton Shoes, which provide unmatched comfort and stability on the court. He also uses the VBS-63 High Resilience Badminton Racket String (Red) for that extra edge in his game.
The Road Ahead: A Champion’s Legacy
Prannoy's achievements are impressive, but his story is far from over. With his sights set on even greater accomplishments, Prannoy continues to inspire the next generation of players. From his rise to World No. 6 to his crucial role in India’s Thomas Cup victory, Prannoy is a force to be reckoned with.
As he gears up for future tournaments and challenges, one thing is certain - Prannoy H.S is a true champion whose journey will inspire generations to come.