At the BWF Thomas and Uber Cup 2024 in Chengdu, China, HS Prannoy showcased his resilience, signalling readiness for bigger battles. Overcoming health concerns, Prannoy staged a remarkable comeback against Indonesia’s Anthony Ginting, propelling India to a second-place finish in Group C.
With a quarterfinal berth secured, India confronted Indonesia in their final group encounter, aiming to fine-tune their strategies for the knockout phase. Despite the men’s team succumbing to a 1-4 defeat, there were notable performances.
Prannoy’s tenacity shone through as he rallied from a game down to clinch victory against the swift-footed Ginting, asserting his confidence in decisive moments. Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty‘s doubles showdown saw them saving match points but falling short in a closely contested encounter.
In a gripping duel, Lakshya Sen pushed reigning All-England champion Jonatan Christie to the brink, showcasing his potential. However, Indonesia’s experience prevailed, securing a crucial lead. Despite a valiant effort from Dhruv Kapila and Sai Pratheek K in the second doubles, the Indonesian duo proved too strong.
Kidambi Srikanth’s singles match saw missed opportunities, resulting in a hard-fought loss. While the overall result favoured Indonesia 1-4, India’s spirited performances underscored their resilience and determination.
As the tournament progresses, India’s focus shifts to the quarterfinal clash for the men’s and women’s teams. With promising displays and lessons learned, they are poised to confront their adversaries with renewed vigour and determination on the court.
