Top five achievements of B Sai Praneeth

Published at :March 10, 2024 at 6:02 PM

Modified at :March 25, 2024 at 3:30 PM

(Courtesy : Hindustan Times)

Sai Praneeth announced retirement aged 31.

At the age of 31, B Sai Praneeth has bid farewell to professional badminton. His illustrious career, spanning two decades, has been marked by remarkable achievements and indelible contributions to the sport. Praneeth’s journey, which reached its pinnacle with the prestigious 2019 BWF World Championship bronze medal, has been a source of inspiration, culminating in a legacy of success.

On March 4, the Hyderabad-born athlete took to social media to share a heartfelt message, expressing gratitude towards his family, coaches, and fans and bidding adieu to badminton. Praneeth’s career saw some new stories, breaking the World Championships jinx in the 20th century, and many more accomplishments.

Here are the top five milestones that define B Sai Praneeth’s storied career:

5. 2019 BWF World Championships bronze medal

Praneeth’s defining moment arrived in 2019 when he clinched the bronze medal at the BWF World Championships in Basel, Switzerland. Although he fell in the semifinals to Kento Momota, the eventual champion, Praneeth’s exceptional performance throughout the tournament was noteworthy.

His victories over Anthony Sinisuka Ginting and Jonatan Christie in the last 16 and quarterfinals demonstrated his formidable skill. This historic achievement firmly placed his name in the annals of Indian badminton and exemplified his unwavering resolve.

4. 2020 Tokyo Olympics participation

The 2020 Tokyo Olympics represented a pivotal point in Praneeth’s career. Despite an unexpected early exit, his presence at the Games underscored his position as a premier Indian badminton player. This experience, though not yielding the desired results, provided him with invaluable insights for future international contests.

3. 2017 Singapore Open Super Series title

Praneeth’s first Super Series triumph came at the 2017 Singapore Open, where he emerged victorious in an all-Indian final against Kidambi Srikanth. This win not only secured a significant title for Praneeth but also highlighted his capability to prevail against top-tier international competitors. The match, a highlight for badminton fans, affirmed Praneeth’s status as a formidable contender in men’s singles.

2. Career-high world ranking of no. 10

Indian badminton player B. Sai Praneeth achieved a career-high ranking, ascending to the top 10 in the global standings in 2019. This significant elevation in status followed his commendable acquisition of the bronze medal at the World Championships in August 2019.

Praneeth’s rise to the top echelons of the sport also saw him overtake compatriot Kidambi Srikanth as the then highest-ranked Indian men’s singles player. Srikanth’s earlier exit in the Round of 16, following a defeat to Kantaphon Wangcharoen, facilitated Praneeth’s advancement in the rankings.

1. Victories against top opponents

Praneeth’s career is punctuated by wins over distinguished players like Muhammad Hafiz Hashim, Taufik Hidayat, and Lee Chong Wei. His ability to triumph over such esteemed opponents, despite injuries and challenges, showcases his strategic brilliance, mental strength, and competitive edge.

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