Hangzhou: India’s top badminton player and Keralite, HS Prannoy, has decided to bid farewell to his home state of Kerala, citing negligence from the state government. Prannoy, a native of Thiruvananthapuram, expressed his frustration with the lack of support and recognition for athletes like himself.
The discontent among Kerala’s sports community has been growing, with other notable athletes, including VK Vismaya, PU Chitra, KP Rahul, Rino Anto, Ashique Kuruniyan, and Sahal, expressing similar sentiments. The athletes allege that despite promises from the government, they have not received the support they deserve, including job opportunities.
Prannoy, who brought pride to the nation by securing a bronze medal in men’s badminton singles at the Asian Games 2023, ending India’s 41-year wait for a medal in the sport, claims that neither the government nor the Badminton Association showed any interest in his achievements.
The Kerala Badminton Association’s announcement of a sum of Rs. 2 lakh after Prannoy’s success in the Thomas Cup appears to have been a turning point. The player, feeling neglected, has now obtained a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Kerala Badminton Association to compete for Tamil Nadu in national competitions.
The situation raises concerns about the state government’s treatment of its athletes, with reports of cyber attacks against those who spoke out against the government’s alleged neglect. The athletes are grappling with the dilemma of whether to persist in the face of ongoing neglect, despite having brought pride not only to the nation but also to their home state.
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