Hangzhou
HS Prannoy, India’s top-ranked men’s shuttler, delivered an electrifying performance in the quarterfinals of the 19th Asian Games to secure a spot in the semifinals. His thrilling victory against Malaysia’s Lee Zii Jia, with a scoreline of 21-16, 21-23, 22-20, not only earned him a semifinal berth but also assured India’s first medal in men’s singles at the Asian Games since Syed Modi’s bronze in 1982.
Prannoy started strong by winning the first game and even held two match points in the second game. However, Lee Zii Jia, a former world No. 2 from Malaysia, mounted a fierce comeback to level the game. In the third game, Zii Jia seemed to have gained the momentum by securing two match points. But Prannoy displayed remarkable skill and resilience, scoring four consecutive points to seal the victory.
Prannoy’s impressive performance has ignited hopes for a historic gold medal in men’s singles badminton at the Asian Games, and he will be eagerly watched as he progresses to the semifinals.
In women’s singles, India’s campaign came to an end as two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu was defeated 21-16, 21-12 by her long-standing rival He Bing Jiao of China in the quarterfinals.
Later in the day, India’s top-ranked men’s doubles pair, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, will take the court in the quarterfinals, adding more anticipation to India’s badminton campaign at the 19th Asian Games.
