Thomas Cup: We knew we had the ability to get a medal, says HS Prannoy

HS Prannoy played a major role in India's maiden triumph in the Thomas Cup world badminton team championship by winning two crucial fifth rubbers in the quarterfinals and semifinals. India and Malaysia were tied 2-2 in the quarterfinal clash and everything depended on Prannoy's match against Jun Hao Leong. The Indian shuttler defeated the Malaysian opponent 21-13, and 21-8. Prannoy encountered the same situation in the semis clash with Denmark and the 29-year-old from Kerala prevailed over Rasmus Gemke in three games, coming back after losing the first game to win 12-21, 21-9, 21-12. Prannoy, who has won a bronze medal in boys' singles at the 2010 World Junior Championships, and a silver medallist at the 2010 Youth Olympic Games, has had big best results in team competitions winning the gold medal in team competitions at the 2018 Commonwealth Games at Gold Coast, Australia, bronze medals in Asian Team Championships in 2016 and 2020 besides the Thomas Cup gold last week.

He interacted with IANS over the phone, talking about the Thomas Cup triumph, its role in his career, and its impact on Indian badminton. Excerpts: Where will you place this title in the list of your achievements and for a team?This is the biggest victory in my life. And no achievements of mine will come close to this. We knew we had the ability to get a medal, the team had the ability for sure. But I never thought we could win this, not even in my dream I ever thought we could become world champions. Winning a tournament of this level is always very tough and to make that happen is incredible. I am very glad that we could make it happen. How do you think this will impact Indian badminton? This victory is huge for India. This win is just not for us but