Tokyo Olympics: B. Sai Praneeth regnets after poor show in Badminton

India’s only competitor in men’s singles this year and the 13th runner-up, Sai Praneeth’s disappointing campaign came to an end today when he was humiliated by Mark Kaljoe in straight sets, 14-21, 14-21.

Arjuna Awardee Sai Praneeth who became the first Indian male shuttler in 36 years to win a bronze medal in the BWF World Championships in 2019, after Prakash Padukone, gave away the first set even after leading the set in the first half.

In the second set, however, he came on strong and had a firm lead of 7-3 after which the game easily slipped out of his hand and in the favour of the Dutch attacker. Sai seemed to be frustrated with his shots and found it hard to focus on the match. With multiple wrong decisions called, Sai ultimately ended his Olympic run with a loss.

Probably one of his most poor performing tournaments, so far, Sai couldn’t seem to find his rhythm in the game and had no answers to the strong Mark Caljouw, who made a comeback into both the sets.