Report: HS Prannoy switches allegiance from Kerala citing lack of support

The shuttler became the second Indian to medal at the Asian Games in men's singles department.

India's top ranked men's singles shuttler HS Prannoy has shifted home base from Kerala to Tamil Nadu. The 31-year-old recently had a very successful Asian Games 2023 campaign winning two medals - silver in men's team event and bronze in men's singles. Soon after winning the historic medal, the announcement was made with regards to shifting allegiance.

As reported by onmanorama HS Prannoy said, "I have always taken great pride in representing Kerala. I can no longer put up with the poor treatment meted out to me by the sports fraternity in the state."

The world championship bronze medalist also alleged that the KBSA (Kerala Badminton State Association) did not bother to send him congratulatory message when he medaled at the World's earlier this year in Copenhagen, Denmark. Also, the federation did not award Prannoy prize money of Rs 2 lakh which was said to be given for the Thomas Cup triumph.

With the shift, HS Prannoy will play for Tamil Nadu in the senior national championships and the upcoming national meets. But with the WR-7 currently suffering from back injury he will not be playing in the upcoming national games scheduled to be held in Goa later this month.

Season so far

This season (2023) has been the most successful one for the Keralite. He won his first BWF World Tour tournament at the Malaysia Masters in June and then went on to reach the final of Australian Open - a few weeks prior to BWF World Championship bronze medal winning run.

With the important BWF World Tour finals to be held in the next few months, HS Prannoy will look to get back fully fit from back injury.