Indian shuttler Sai Praneeth announces retirement from competitive Badminton

Sai Praneeth won the BWF World Championships bronze medal in 2019.

Former BWF World Championships bronze medallist B Sai Praneeth announced his retirement from international badminton on Monday (March 4), marking the end of a remarkable career that saw him clinch the Singapore Open and represent India at the Tokyo Olympics.

The 31-year-old from Hyderabad decided to bid adieu to the game after a torrid time battling Injuries. “With a mix of emotions, I pen down these words to bid farewell and announce my retirement from the sport that has been my lifeblood for over 24 years,” he said in a statement on social media.

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Bhamidipati Sai Praneeth, born on August 10, 1992, in Hyderabad, has been a beacon of hope for Indian badminton. His journey, marked by significant victories and challenging setbacks, reflects the spirit of a true sportsman. His bronze medal at the 2019 Badminton World Championships ended India’s 36-year wait for a men’s singles medal at the world event.

Praneeth’s journey in badminton has been nothing short of inspiring. He fell in love with the sport at a young age and it soon became his constant companion, shaping his character and giving purpose to his existence. “Badminton, you have been my first love, my constant companion, shaping my character and giving purpose to my existence. The memories we’ve shared, the challenges we’ve overcome, will forever be etched in my heart.”

As he embarks on a new chapter, Praneeth is set to join as a head coach of Triangle Badminton Academy in the USA next month. “I will be joining April mid. I will be the head coach of the club, so I will be overseeing all the players there. Of course, once I am there, we will discuss elaborately about the role,” he told PTI.

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Praneeth’s journey wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support of his family – his grandparents, parents, and his loving wife Swetha. “To my family – your endless encouragement has been the bedrock of my success. Without your unwavering support, none of this would have been possible,” said the World Championships bronze medalist

“A heartfelt thank you to Pullela Gopichand anna, the Gopichand Academy, and the entire coaching and support staff. I also thank my coaches from childhood Arif sir, and Govardhan sir…I extend my gratitude to the Badminton Association of India, Sports Authority of India, TOPS, Sports Authority of Telangana State, Yonex, ONGC, GoSports, OGQ, APACS, WhatsInTheGame, PBL. Your belief in my dreams and your contributions to the sport have been instrumental in my journey.”

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