India's HS Prannoy showcased exemplary skill and determination by outlasting Malaysia's Lee Zii Jia 21-16, 21-23, 23-21 before Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty thrashed the Singaporean pair of Joo Jie Nge and Prajogoto Johann 21-7, 21-9 to confirm semifinals spots in the men's singled and doubles at the Asian Games 2023 in Hangzhou on Thursday. With this Prannoy and Chirag-Satwik assured India medals after taking significant strides in Asian Games 2023.
The match kept spectators on the edge of their seats, with Prannoy firmly capturing the first set. However, the determined Zii Jia managed to clutch the second set, pushing the game into a nail-biting decider. Demonstrating resilience and strategic brilliance, Prannoy clinched the third set, ensuring his place in the semifinals and guaranteeing a medal for India.
This accomplishment holds significant historical value, as Prannoy's medal will become India's second-ever in the men's singles category at the Asian Games. The earlier medal was a bronze bagged by Syed Modi in 1982. It's worth noting that Prannoy had earlier missed out on team action due to a back injury, during which the Indian men's team narrowly lost to China, settling for silver.
The day witnessed another exhilarating performance from India's celebrated badminton pair, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty. They effortlessly overpowered Singapore's Joo Jie Nge and Prajogoto Johann with scores of 21-7 and 21-9. Satwik-Chirag's aggressive game, highlighted by their impeccable backhand drops, proved insurmountable for the Singaporean duo. Holding the third rank globally, the Indian pair swiftly secured their match, ensuring a bronze medal at the very least.
Their victory marked a historic moment, as they became the second Indian men's doubles team to clinch an Asian Games medal after a 41-year hiatus. The last time India achieved this feat was when Leroy D’sa and Pradeep Gandhne earned their laurels in 1982.
Looking ahead, Satwik-Chirag are set to challenge the formidable World No. 5 Malaysian duo of Chia Aaron and Wooi Yik Soh in what promises to be a thrilling contest.
As India continues to make strides in the Asian Games 2023, the performances of Prannoy, Satwik, and Chirag reiterate the nation's growing prowess in badminton on the international stage.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
Asian Games 2023: India's star wrestler Antim Panghal scorches with bronze after routing Mongolian in women's freestyle
Asian Games 2023: Dipika Pallikal, Harinder Pal Singh Sandhu secure India's 20th gold medal after victorious mixed doubles final
Asian Games 2023: India clinches 19th gold medal after Jyothi-Aditi-Parneet troika beat Chinese Taipei in women's compound team final
ODI World Cup: Replay, rewind and revisit the thrilling tournament openers of the past five editions
Missing ODI World Cup due to injury, Pakistan pacer Naseem Shah undergoes successful shoulder surgery; shares update
ICC World Cup 2023: A look at England vs New Zealand Head-to-Head record and last five encounters
