CHENNAI: On July 10, Parupalli Kashyap tweeted out something that was re-tweeted by HS Prannoy. Kashyap had tagged the official Fantasy Premier League account asking for the player who gave maximum points last season. For those who don't know what FPL is, it is an online game where participants field an imaginary team every week and play against people all over the world till the end of the season. On Monday, Prannoy clinched the US Open Grand Prix Gold tournament after defeating compatriot Kashyap 21-15, 20-22, 21-12 in a hard-fought encounter. One might wonder, how the two are related.
In the last few months, a couple of all-Indian Super Series finals tells us how much men's badminton in our country has grown. And according to Prannoy, these bonding activities off the court is doing wonders.
What he described sounded similar to the story that broke from Barcelona a few years back. The famed MSN (Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar Jr) when asked about their success mantra, used to say that there is no ego between them and that's what is helping them. "It's not just FPL. We hang out in a group often and are very friendly with each other. We even discuss about how all of us are playing and give tips on how to better our performances. The bonding is great and helps us a lot while playing," Prannoy told Express from the US. "For some time now, we have been training together and a change in technique and training has also played a big part. It is very intense these days. Even if one of us is not playing, the other will be there for sure and that is great."
After spending a lot of time on the sidelines, the win in California boosted the 25-year-old's confidence. "It was difficult earlier. But while coming back from injury, we start at the same level (Super Series or Grand Prix). That way, we are very lucky. But, I used to be criticised for not being consistent. Hopefully, this win can be a new start," said the 25-year-old.
With the World Championships happening in Glasgow next month, there is a lot of expectations from the Indian contingent. Prannoy, however, is not going to represent the country in August.But the fact that India is one of the three nations to have four representatives in the main draw is a testimony to the growth of badminton in India.
While many feel gutted about not playing at the World Championships, the Kerala shuttler is taking it as a positive. "I'm not sad about not playing in Glasgow. Of course, it would have been great but I have just started recovering and this will be a good break. I have three weeks to take care of my body and then I plan to go for a tournament in Japan and Korea."
vimalsankar@newindianexpress.com