This is probably my last Asian Games, says HS Prannoy

Veteran Indian shuttler H.S. Prannoy feels the 2026 Asian Games could be his last appearance at the continental multi-sport event, with the 33-year-old now focusing on extending his career only if he has a realistic chance of playing at the Los Angeles Olympics 2028.

Prannoy, who has previously spoken about uncertainty over how long he will continue, said he believes this is likely to be his final Asian Games.

“I think I’ve decided that this is probably the last Asian Games because I don’t think after four years I would be in a position to play at this level. I just want to play at this level. I don’t want to play at the lower level,” he said.

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The former world No. 8 said his immediate target is to push himself over the next few years and assess whether continuing until the 2028 Olympics is realistic.

“Obviously, the aim is to play 2028 LA. Because I couldn’t play the 2024 Paris Olympics, or I probably couldn’t prepare according to what I really wanted to because of the Chikungunya which happened probably 15 days before the Olympics,” he said.

Prannoy, who had a decent run at the Vietnam Open last week, said he is gradually getting back to his best physically and mentally and is hopeful of helping India’s men’s team go deep into the Asian Games competition.

“I think I’m in a good place right now and I played the Vietnam Open last week. I had a decent run after some time. I feel I am physically and mentally getting there,” Prannoy said.

“This Asian Games is going to be different. I’m going to be here for the team event and I’m really hopeful that we go deep into this tournament this time as well. Last time we missed the gold medal by a whisker, so as a team we really want to go and play that big final again and probably win that gold medal,” he added.

Prannoy also spoke highly of fellow senior shuttler Kidambi Srikanth, saying the former world No. 1’s longevity and approach continue to motivate him.

He said India’s familiarity as a team, with most players featuring together in major events over the last four years, would also help in the men’s team event.

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“We know what our roles are, what each player needs to do. The easiness to open up between the players is much more now, and I think it’s a very important factor when it comes to bigger events,” he said.

Prannoy added that India would need all 10 players to be fully focused to push for gold, with little margin for error once the knockout stage begins.

“There is no room for error. We just have to go all in from the pre-quarterfinals and then go till the finals,” he said.