HS Prannoy to take a break from game

CHENNAI: In an all-important Olympic year, HS Prannoy had to battle past struggles to compete in the Paris Games. The seasoned Kerala-born shuttler was ravaged by a spate of setbacks, including a chronic gastrointestinal disorder and a back injury.

If that was not enough, just a few weeks before the quadrennial extravaganza, Prannoy was diagnosed with chikungunya. As the 32-year-old Prannoy had to go through a tough phase physically and mentally, he could not give his best in the training. But Prannoy took part in the Olympics battling adversity and went as far as the pre-quarterfinals.

With an eye on the next season, Prannoy will look to start afresh, even though he doesn't know when he will be back. "I am not looking forward to anything as of now. It has not been a great couple of months. I have to get back to complete fitness and might not be playing a few tournaments. I am not sure when I will make a comeback," Prannoy said after the Viktor store opening ceremony here on Tuesday.

"I was asking my coaches why I was playing in the Olympics. But to be honest, at that stage, we did what we could. When I look back, I feel good that I played in the Olympics. I wish the injuries, and other setbacks had happened at some other stage of my career."

The Indian badminton contingent returned home without a medal. A lot was expected from the team but they could not live up to the billing. Prannoy felt that all the players had put in full effort and will get better with experience.

"As a team, we all played our hearts out. Sometimes we win medals and sometimes we do not. Everything needs to come in place in an event like the Olympics. You have to be in the right shape at the right point and be at the best throughout the Games. We all learnt big time from the Olympics and will come back stronger."

No concrete plans on retirement yet, says Ashwini
The 34-year-old Ashwini Ponnappa partnered Tanisha Crasto in the women's doubles in the Olympics and the pair did not enjoy any success, bowing out from the group stage without a win.

Ashwini had said that this (Paris) would be her final Olympics. On being asked about her retirement plans, Ashwini said: "There are no concrete plans as such. For me at this point in time, it is important to enjoy being on court and perform to the best of my ability. I will decide what needs to be done after I take a small break. I will start again by competing in the Syed Modi India International in November."


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