HS Prannoy says his last Asian Games in 2026 will keep LA Olympics dream alive
Veteran Indian shuttler HS Prannoy believes the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games could be his last appearance on the continental showpiece, but the 34-year-old maintains his dream of competing at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Prannoy, the men’s singles bronze medalist at the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games, is part of India’s 20-member badminton team in Nagoya. The team event begins on Sunday, with India looking to improve on the silver medal it won three years ago.
“This is probably my last Asian Games. I don’t think I will be able to play at this level after four years. I only want to play at this level, not lower,” Prannoy told PTI.
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However, the former world number six is not ready to give a definitive end date to his international career. He said he will use the next 12 to 18 months to see if he remains competitive enough to make a realistic push for Los Angeles.
PRANNOY GOES FOR LAST ASIAN GAMES GOLD
Prannoy enters the Games buoyed by his recent form and fitness. He competed in the Vietnam Open last week and said the tournament gave him confidence after a difficult period.
“Physically and mentally, I am in good shape. I played the Vietnam Open last week and after some time I had a decent performance,” he said.
His memories of Hangzhou remain particularly strong. India created history by winning its first ever men’s badminton medal at the Asian Games, while Prannoy also won an individual bronze. The men’s team eventually lost to China in the finals, leaving the team one step away from gold.
“We narrowly missed the gold last time. Hopefully this time we will make it to the finals and win the gold,” said Prannoy.
The veteran also has a personal reason to stay ambitious. His preparations for the Paris Olympics were cut short after he contracted chikungunya about 15 days before the games, making another Olympic opportunity particularly significant.
LA 2028 REMAINS A REALISTIC GOAL
Prannoy has Nagoya as his immediate focus, but made it clear that Los Angeles remains part of his long-term thinking.
“My goal is LA 2028. I will push for another year to a year and a half. If I feel a real chance to get to LA, I will continue. Otherwise I will decide later,” he said.
Prannoy also credited fellow senior shuttler Kidambi Srikanth for motivating him to continue competing at the highest level. He described Srikanth as “probably the best men’s singles player” that India has produced.
“Seeing him still playing is encouraging and motivating. His results have given me confidence that if he can play, so can I,” said Prannoy.
Prannoy’s career peaked at World No. 6 in August 2023, a year in which he also won World Championship bronze and Asian Games bronze in singles.
For now, Nagoya represents both an opportunity and a possible farewell. Prannoy wants to leave the Asian Games stage with the men’s team finally turning their silver into gold, while allowing enough time to decide whether another Olympic campaign is within reach.
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Issued by:
sabyasachi chowdhury
Published on:
19 Sep 2026 18:14 IST