HS Prannoy Takes Break for Health Reasons

HS Prannoy, the 32-year-old Indian badminton player, has announced a break from the sport to recover from chikungunya, which adversely affected his performance at the Paris Olympics. The viral illness caused him severe joint pain, leading to a disappointing Round of 16 exit against compatriot Lakshya Sen. Prannoy expressed his decision to withdraw from upcoming tournaments on social media, emphasizing the need to focus on recovery, although he did not specify a timeline or the tournaments he would miss. Despite his health struggles, he had previously shown resilience by winning both his group matches at the Games. Prannoy has a notable career, including a 2022 Thomas Cup title and bronze medals at both the world and Asian Games, but has faced recent health challenges, including a chronic stomach disorder and back injury. He reassured fans of a strong comeback once he recovers fully.