HS Prannoy's projected path to BWF World Championships 2025 final

HS Prannoy won the bronze medal in the 2023 BWF World Championships.

HS Prannoy is one of India’s most seasoned and accomplished badminton players. The 33-year-old from Kerala is a bronze medallist from the BWF World Championships 2023 and holds a career-high world ranking of No. 6, which he achieved in August 2023.

He is also a Commonwealth Games gold medallist (2018, 2022) and was part of India’s historic Thomas Cup victory in 2022.

Currently ranked World No. 34, Prannoy brings vast experience and tactical intelligence to the World Championships. While 2025 hasn’t been his strongest season, his proven ability to perform at major championships makes him a dangerous opponent for anyone.

Here’s a look at HS Prannoy’s projected path to the BWF World Championships 2025 final based on the draw.

R64 – Joakim Oldorff

Prannoy opens against Finland’s Joakim Oldorff, a manageable first-round test for the experienced Indian. The veteran should use this match to find his rhythm and assess his form as he looks to make another deep run in the World Championships. Joakim is from Finland and is currently ranked 48th in the world.

R32 – Anders Antonsen

This is where Prannoy’s path becomes extremely challenging. He would likely face Denmark’s Anders Antonsen, the World No. 2 and one of the tournament favorites.

Antonsen’s all-round game and consistency have made him one of the world’s best, making this a crucial early test for Prannoy’s championship aspirations. Although their head-to-head stands 2-2, Antonsen has won the last two meetings between them.

R16 – Anthony Sinisuka Ginting / Toma Junior Popov

If Prannoy can overcome Antonsen, he could face Indonesia’s Anthony Sinisuka Ginting or France’s Toma Junior Popov. Ginting brings explosive attacking play with speed and big-match experience, while Popov represents emerging European talent.

Either opponent would be within Prannoy’s capabilities if he carries momentum from beating Antonsen. Prannoy leads the head-to-head 4-2 against Ginting but has lost the only meeting between him and Toma Popov.

Quarter-final – Chou Tien Chen / Kenta Nishimoto

From this section, Prannoy would likely meet either Chinese Taipei’s Chou Tien Chen, the number 6 seed, or Japan’s Kenta Nishimoto, the number 14 seed. Chou’s experience makes him a formidable quarterfinal opponent, while Nishimoto brings consistency and defensive solidity. A victory here would guarantee Prannoy a medal.

Prannoy trails head-to-head 6-8 against Chou and 3-5 against Kenta. However, the competition between them has always been tough.

Semi-final – Kunlavut Vitidsarn / Jonatan Christie

If Prannoy reaches the last four, he would face either Thailand’s defending champion and number 3 seed, Kunlavut Vitidsarn, or Indonesia’s Jonatan Christie, the number 5 seed. Kunlavut’s defensive mastery and recent form make him extremely dangerous, while Christie would have passionate home support in Jakarta. Both represent world-class challenges.

Prannoy has never defeated Vitidsarn before, and this would present a golden opportunity. He also trails head-to-head 3-7 against Christie.

Final – Shi Yu Qi / Li Shi Feng

From the other half of the draw, the most probable finalists are top seed, China’s Shi Yu Qi, and number 4 seed Li Shi Feng.

Shi Yu Qi’s current dominance as World No. 1 makes him the likely finalist, though Li Shi Feng‘s explosive attacking game could trouble anyone on his day, as seen in the 2023 All England Final, where he got the better of Shi.

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