🔹 Introduction

• Context: live Q&A session with H.S. Prannoy.
• venue: Central Grand Exotica Hotel, Pune.
• Highlight the event: Rotary Club & Rama Group presents Yonex-Sunrise District Super 100 Ranking Tournament.
• why the Q&A was special — fans and young players got a chance to interact with one of India’s finest shuttlers.

🔹 About H.S. Prannoy

The Fighter Spirit:

• Prannoy’s first breakthrough came when he started competing in junior-level tournaments, where his talent was evident. But his real impact was felt in the senior international circuit. Over the years, he has defeated some of the world’s top-ranked players, earning a reputation as a giant-killer.
• Some of his early international successes included:
• Winning the 2010 Bahrain International Challenge.
• Reaching the finals of the 2014 Vietnam Open Grand Prix, where he showcased his ability to play long, intense matches.
• Winning the 2014 Indonesia Masters Grand Prix Gold, which brought him into the spotlight.
• From there, he began to feature regularly in major international tournaments, representing India at the BWF World Tour, Thomas Cup, Sudirman Cup, and World Championships.

How Prannoy Inspire young athelete:

• Prannoy’s journey offers several lessons for aspiring badminton players:
• Hard Work Pays Off – From his days at Gopichand Academy to international tournaments, discipline has been central to his growth.
• Overcome Obstacles – His fight against injuries and health issues shows the importance of persistence.
• Respect and Humility – Despite his fame, Prannoy remains approachable and grounded, often motivating young players at events and live sessions.
• Consistency is Key – Unlike one-time winners, Prannoy has stayed at the top level for over a decade, proving the value of consistency.

🔹 The Q&A Session Begins

Mr. Mantri and all players present in the session asking and gaining knowledge from him.

Q1: What is your turning Point in your life?

Prannoy’s Answer: Turning point in my life is come when I leave my hometown and Visit Hyderabad for professional Training in badminton.

Q2: Apart from training of badminton, how much importance of fitness in game like badminton?

Pranay’s Answer: When we decide to play badminton professionally it is very much important rather it is important that your fundamental or base of game is fitness without fitness we can’t able to grow in badminton. Chinese Japanese players do this only their base of fitness very much strong and Our Indian Children need to acquire it if we want to grow in badminton.

Q3: Which type of fitness required whether it is gym where you can loading your body or it is strengthening part lunges or running is important.

Prannoy’s Answer: Both are important but first part is more important because when you load your body by doing muscle training it is ready for taking any type of load and doing any movement, but it is important to do running which is off court part where there is no limit as you don’t have racket in your hand.

Q4: You played with three top player Lee Chong Wei, Lin Dan, and Victor Axelsen, and win all three of them, which play style you use and whom you feel tough among all?

Prannoy’s Answer: Actually I watched match with all of them many time and learn their style of playing . So it is helpful for me, but yes they are playing very nicely, Chong Wei is literally flying on the court, All three of them playing well but among them Lee Chong wei is tough .

Q5: How do you read an opponent’s weaknesses quickly during a match and decide your strategy?

Prannoy’s Answer: It is important watch lot of matches , I used to watch lot of matches when I am not playing , during that period you need to consider you in place of particular player and need to watch their movement quickly this is very helpful to you to read opponents further reaction and decide your next strategy. Now a day’s lot of you tube video available that you can watch and plan further action .

Q6: When you loose first set , what mindset do you make to fight back in next Set?

Prannoy’s Answer: I think mentality must be that way that it is my last set, but if you even loose first set , in next set you think about shorter period , you need to focus on small target first to get 5 points and then next 5 point and so on , don’t think for long way and go on panic , don’t even think of third set, third will take care this will work.

Q7: How to fight with strong opponent, feeling very nervous during that time ?

Prannoy’s Answer: When your opponent is strong, we must concentrate on small target, first 5 ,then 7 , then15 , this way by plotting small target to yourself you can reach towards win.

🔹 Key Takeaways from H.S. Prannoy’s Session

• Summarize the 3–5 main lessons from his answers. Examples:
  • Importance of fitness and recovery.
  • Handling pressure during big matches.
  • Discipline in practice.
  • Mental toughness against top players.
  • Balancing education and sports for young shuttlers.
  • Learn and analyze by match of top player ,need to observe seniors match continuously.

🔹 The Venue & Atmosphere

• The Central Grand Exotica Hotel in Pune served as the elegant host venue for the Question-Answer session with H.S. Prannoy. Known for its spacious banquet halls, modern amenities, and warm hospitality, the hotel provided a professional yet welcoming environment for the event.
• The Rotary Club and Rama Group played a crucial role in making this event a reality. By presenting the Yonex-Sunrise District Super 100 Ranking Tournament, they not only hosted a competitive platform for emerging shuttlers but also ensured that the tournament winners and participants had a chance to interact with one of India’s finest players, H.S. Prannoy.
• Such initiatives go beyond just organizing matches — they create a nurturing environment for young players to learn, grow, and stay inspired. Bringing an international star like Prannoy for a live session gave budding athletes direct access to his wisdom, experiences, and valuable tips. For many, this was the first time they could personally ask questions and receive guidance from a top-ranked Indian shuttler.
• The efforts of Rotary Club and Rama Group show their commitment not only to sports development in Pune but also to building the future of Indian badminton. By combining competition with mentorship, they provided young players a platform that motivates them to dream bigger and push harder.

🔹 Conclusion

Gratitude to H.S. Prannoy and the Organizers

As parents and badminton enthusiasts, we feel truly grateful for the opportunity to be part of this event. A special thanks to H.S. Prannoy for taking the time to interact with young players and share his wisdom with such humility. His inspiring words and approachable nature left a lasting impact, especially on the winners who look up to him as a role model.

We also extend heartfelt gratitude to the Rotary Club and Rama Group for organizing the Yonex-Sunrise District Super 100 Ranking Tournament and arranging this exclusive Q&A session. Their efforts to bring world-class players closer to budding athletes not only celebrate sporting excellence but also nurture the next generation of champions.

Events like these remind us that true growth in sports comes from both competition and mentorship. And for us, it was a proud and memorable moment to witness our daughter, as a tournament winner, interact with one of India’s finest badminton stars.

“Sessions like these remind us that champions are not just made on the court, but also in how they inspire the next generation.”