Paris, August 1, 2024: India’s HS Prannoy has secured his spot in the men’s singles pre-quarterfinals at the Paris Olympics after a hard-fought victory over Vietnam’s Le Duc Phat in his final group match on Wednesday. The 32-year-old from Kerala, who had recently recovered from a bout of chikungunya, displayed remarkable resilience to overcome the world number 70 in a tense 62-minute contest.

Prannoy’s Olympic journey has been marked by determination, and his latest win is a testament to his fighting spirit. Despite dropping the first game 16-21, Prannoy regrouped and dominated the next two games, winning them 21-11 and 21-12. His ability to adapt and elevate his game under pressure was on full display as he secured the victory and moved forward in the competition.

Prannoy, who has previously won bronze medals at both the World Championships and the Asian Games, is competing in his maiden Olympics. The victory over Le Duc Phat sets up an intriguing all-Indian pre-quarterfinal clash against Lakshya Sen, a rising star in Indian badminton. The matchup promises to be a thrilling encounter as both players vie for a spot in the quarterfinals.

With his recent health challenges behind him, Prannoy’s performance in Paris is a source of inspiration and hope for Indian sports fans. His journey through the tournament will be closely watched as he continues to chase Olympic glory.