HS Prannoy Set for Final Asian Games Appearance, Aims for Gold with Men's Team

HS Prannoy has declared that the 2026 Asian Games will be his final appearance at this prestigious event. He aims to lead the Indian men's badminton team to gold after their silver medal finish in Hangzhou. Prannoy reflects on the team's strong preparations and the importance of teamwork. Meanwhile, Chirag Shetty, who won gold in men's doubles at the last Asian Games, is focused on defending their title. Both players express their hopes for a memorable tournament, with Prannoy seeking a fitting farewell in his last competition.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 18, 2026, 20:50 IST

Prannoy's Last Asian Games

Indian badminton player HS Prannoy has announced that the upcoming 2026 Asian Games will mark his final participation in this prestigious multi-sport event. He is determined to lead the men's team to a strong performance following their silver medal achievement in Hangzhou three years ago.

In an interview on the eve of the opening ceremony in Aichi-Nagoya, Prannoy expressed confidence in the team's preparations, stating, "Yes, this is my last Asian Games. You won't see me in the Asian Games. I think that much; I'm pretty much sure."

Chasing Gold in Team Event

Having secured an individual bronze medal at the 2022 Asian Games, Prannoy will now focus on the men's team event in Japan, as he was not selected for individual competition this time. He reflected on the team's previous performance, saying, "I think preparations were good. Obviously, from a personal thing, I'm not playing the individual event like last time, but I'm part of the team event this time. Last time we got a silver medal, and the gold medal wasn't very far last time, because we were up 2-0 in the finals and then we lost 3-2 out there in the team event."

The Indian men's team had a narrow defeat in Hangzhou after leading 2-0 in the finals. Prannoy emphasized the team's goal for this tournament: "I think this time the effort will definitely be for the gold medal, because I think we have a very strong team out there in the men's section." He added that teamwork and bonding would be crucial for their success.

Desire to Reach the Final Again

The 34-year-old shuttler expressed his eagerness to return to the finals, recalling the disappointment of their previous near-victory. "Definitely would want to play that final again. We definitely want to play that final once again, because after losing last time, I think the teammates were very sad because we were so close. I think after being 2-0 up, you always feel that you're almost there. But I think that's how the sport works, because it's just one match which can turn things around."

Chirag Shetty's Title Defense

In another highlight, men's doubles player Chirag Shetty shared his excitement about representing India at this multi-sport event. He mentioned that the draw for their opening match would be announced soon, stating, "Obviously, playing a multi-sport event, playing in the Indian jersey, it feels really, really special. It starts day after tomorrow, and tomorrow we have our draw ceremony."

Shetty, who pairs with Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, aims to defend their title after winning India's first-ever Asian Games badminton gold in men's doubles at Hangzhou 2023. He emphasized the importance of enjoying the competition, saying, "I don't want to think too much about it. I just want to go out there and give it our best."

A Fitting Farewell for Prannoy

Shetty also expressed hope that the Indian team could provide Prannoy with a memorable farewell at his last Asian Games. "Hopefully yes, he's been a really good flagbearer for Indian sport, Indian badminton in general. He's played a pivotal role in getting us that Thomas Cup in 2022. So, I think yes, we will miss him, and before he ends his last Asian Games, we want to give him a good farewell," he said.

India enters the badminton competition with a total of 13 medals from previous Asian Games, with their best performance recorded at Hangzhou 2023, where they secured one gold, one silver, and one bronze.