“Hopefully, we will return with a medal” - HS Prannoy ahead of Paris Olympics 2024

Indian ace shuttler HS Prannoy has emphasized the importance of enjoying the process rather than thinking much about the outcome ahead of his maiden Olympic Games in Paris. The quadrennial event is scheduled for July and August.

Currently the highest-ranked Indian men's singles player at No. 13, Prannoy is confident of returning home from Paris with a medal. He shared a few key insights in the lead-up to the Paris Olympics 2024 on JioCinema's 'The Dreamers' episode.

"It's crucial to cherish the journey instead of obsessing over winning an Olympic medal. The results will follow if the process is right focusing on training and recovery. Improving in training will naturally lead to better results, and hopefully, we will return with a medal,” HS Prannoy said.

“Often, it's a mental battle more than a physical one” - HS Prannoy on his Olympics debut

Furthermore, Prannoy stated the importance of both mental and physical readiness as he started his preparations for the Paris Olympics 2024. He was wary of the pressure at the Olympic stage and insisted on maintaining a strong mental approach.

"Major tournaments are always intense. I have never played in the Olympics, but I anticipate a distinct kind of pressure on the court. Often, it's a mental battle more than a physical one. A single match can change everything. As we prepare for the Olympics, our strategy will be to adapt quickly from the first match since every point is crucial. Working with Gopi sir and Guru, we've been honing our physical and mental strengths,” he added in the same episode.

The Asian Games 2023 bronze medallist also disclosed his two significant milestones from 2023. The first was securing a medal at the World Championships and the other was ending a 41-year drought for India with a silver medal in the men's singles at the Asian Games.

It’s worth noting that HS Prannoy also bagged a gold medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in the mixed team event and a silver medal at the Asian Games 2023 in the men's team event. He also played a crucial role in the Thomas Cup 2022, propelling the Indian team to clinch gold.