Badminton World Championship 2019 bronze medallist Sai Praneeth turns 28!
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Born on 10 August 1992, in Andhra Pradesh, Sai Praneeth turns 28 today. As he celebrates his birthday, let’s take a look at his life and achievements.
It must be a very happy birthday indeed for the Arjuna Awardee as gates have opened at the Gopichand Academy in Hyderabad. All training at sports complexes were halted since April by the state government due to lockdowns in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Key moments of Sai Praneeth ‘s career
The shuttler gave Indian Badminton fans great cheer and joy when he won the bronze medal at the BWF World Championships in 2019. It was a medal for India in the men’s category at the World championships in 36 years. The legend Prakash Padukone had last won a medal in 1983. This is his most prestigious achievement so far.
Also Read: Year in review: Sai Praneeth’s run in 2019 BWF season
Bhamidipati Sai Praneeth was inspired by his aunt, who was a national level shuttler herself, to take up the sport.
Currently ranked number 13 in the world, Praneeth is one of the few players who have the ability to create major upsets when he is in form, injury free. He has put in great efforts and made his way up the rankings. The ascent would have been faster if not for nagging injuries.
In the Indonesia Open, 2013, the Indian lad ousted home favourite, legend, and King of Backhand Taufik Hidayat 15-21, 21-12, 21-17. The current world number 13 created a major upset at the 2016 All England Open. With his stellar performance, he sent back home Lee Chong Wei in straight sets 24-22, 22-20 in the very first round.
He became the fourth Indian to win a Superseries title in 2017. In the final of Singapore Open, he trounced compatriot Kidambi Srikanth in three gruelling games, to clinch the title. It was his first Superseries title.
It would be interesting to know that in 2010, Sai Praneeth played against the Danish Champ Viktor Axelsen in the bronze medal match of the world junior championships. Sai beat Axelsen 21–19, 15–21, 15–21 in a thrilling encounter.
Praneeth embarked on a new phase in life on a personal note in december2019. He tied the knot with Swetha Jayanthi in a private ceremony.
Praneeth is currently India’s leading player on the Race to Tokyo. He is ranked number 13 and is within the direct qualification range for Tokyo Olympics. Fans would love to see Praneeth back in action, creating upsets and making waves in international badminton.
Here’s wishing Sai Praneeth, a very happy birthday, much more success and happiness!
Also Read: PV Sindhu, Sai Praneeth among top shuttlers to resume training
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Medha Kattige
(117 Articles Published)