HS Prannoy takes time off to regain strength after Chikungunya

NEW DELHI: HS Prannoy, a veteran Indian badminton player, announced on Monday that he is temporarily stepping away from the sport to fully recover from the effects of chikungunya, a viral illness that negatively impacted his performance at the Paris Olympics.
The 32-year-old, who has achieved notable successes such as winning the 2022 Thomas Cup title and securing bronze medals at the world and Asian Games, was struck by the mosquito-borne disease just before the Paris Olympics, causing him severe joint pain for a week.
In a statement on X, Prannoy shared, "Unfortunately, the battle with chikungunya has taken a toll on my body, leaving me with persistent pains that make it impossible to compete at my best."

He further added, "After careful consideration with my team, I've decided to withdraw from some of the upcoming tournaments to focus on recovery. Thank you for your understanding and support during this challenging time. I'll be back stronger."
Prannoy did not specify the duration of his recovery period or the specific tournaments he has withdrawn from. The Kerala-born shuttler, who clinched the world championship bronze in 2023, has been plagued by various health issues, including a chronic stomach disorder and a persistent back injury.
Despite not being in optimal physical condition, Prannoy managed to win both his group matches at the Paris Games, advancing to the round of 16. However, he was ultimately defeated by fellow Indian player Lakshya Sen in the pre-quarterfinal match.