Indian shuttler Prannoy HS talks about sponsorship, mental health & Instagram

Indian star shuttler Prannoy HS came to prominence after winning the silver medal in Boys’ singles at 2010 Summer Youth Olympics. He won a Gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. His highest world ranking has been 8th and currently he is ranked 27th. He also played for the Mumbai Rockets franchise in the 2017 season of the Premier Badminton League. The Playknox team spoke with him about his fitness routine, Covid-19 , importance of mental health among other things.

 

How difficult this COVID19 era is for athletes?

Well it’s tough times for all of us as athletes, but for the next few coming months it is going to be totally different from before specially in badminton because of the travelling that is involved. I think sports like football are a go for now around the world. It’s going be different and we have to be ready for it.

What has been your fitness routine like in these past few months?

I am keeping up with my Fitness. I had a trainer in the first month who was training me and then another one who trained me as well. I have been doing it all at home and keeping myself fit. I also give my time to a few young athletes and help them out. Lockdown has eased so I have started a bit of practice too recently.

 

What do you do to keep yourself mentally fit? Do you think in India the focus on mental health of athletes has increased?

Well with the Covid-19 situation it’s been quite hard without seeing the courts for practice. I indulged in my home training and not think about it much. Yes mental health has impacted a lot of athletes in our country and I believe a lot of focus is being given on mental health now as per before. It is quite good for our game and very much needed too.

 

 

What are the brands you are currently associated with? Why do you think more brands should come forward to sponsor badminton players?

Currently I am associated with Yonex and ITM group of institutions. Yes obviously a lot of brands should come forward to sponsor badminton players. I mean you look at other sports like tennis or cricket. If there is someone in the top 100 of tennis they have good sponsorship and monetary help too and likewise in cricket if you see what BCCI has done by tying up with OPPO first and now BYJU’s it’s fabulous.

I think our association should do the same too. It’s a different feeling all together to wear the same sponsor as an Indian contingent. I remember it was there a few years back and then it vanished. Not only the brand but the game will be promoted too, if you see badminton is the second most played sports in our country but looking at sponsors we have almost none.

 

I think a lot of brands should come up in touch with our association to take the sport to a whole new level. In badminton if you look only Saina has some sponsors other than that when you come to the men category it’s almost nil. So yeah brands must come up to sponsor us as players or tie up with our associations for the betterment of badminton.

 

What is your diet like?

Well I am not focusing too much on my diet, if I look back I was on a specific diet before lockdown with my game and all. But now it is quite normal I would say.

 

Which is your favourite social media site and why?
I think Instagram because it is quite addictive, and also the fact that u can connect with friends and talk to them, going live and giving some interviews and interacting with a few fans is what I love about it.

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