Paris, August 28 (HS) : India’s ace shuttler HS Prannoy suffered a heartbreaking exit from the BWF Badminton World Championships 2025, bowing out in the second round after a hard-fought battle against World No. 2 Anders Antonsen of Denmark.
Prannoy mounted a spirited fightback after a poor start, but despite holding two match points in the deciding game, the veteran faltered at the finishing line. Antonsen eventually prevailed 21-8, 17-21, 23-21 in a nail-biting contest.
Reflecting on the contest, a visibly disappointed Prannoy admitted he failed to capitalize on the crucial moments. “In the final few points, I played some poor shots. I should have conserved more energy and attacked better. Antonsen went for the kill in the last three or four points, and I gave him easy smashes. At the net, I should have taken more chances,” he said.
Prannoy’s strong comeback in the second game had kept Indian hopes alive, but costly errors in the decider proved fatal. “Losing match points in a big tournament always hurts. Just one match can change the entire course of a competition. Beating an in-form player boosts your confidence, but when you lose, it feels like all the effort goes to waste and self-doubt creeps in,” Prannoy reflected.
The 32-year-old, a World and Asian Games bronze medallist, has been battling health issues in recent years, including a chronic stomach condition, recurring back injuries, and a bout of chikungunya just before the Paris Olympics.
Speaking candidly about his struggles, he said, “I’m still trying to improve, but keeping pace with the younger generation is tough fitness-wise. The speed of the game is so high, and the body doesn’t always respond in the same way. That’s the reality of sport.”
Hinting that his time on the world stage may be nearing its end, Prannoy suggested the next edition could be his swansong. “Maybe one more. You want to keep playing for two or three years, but realistically, I might manage just one more championship – and only if I can really push myself.”
—————
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
