Prannoy Upbeat On Road to Recovery
From contemplating a six-month break this year, to playing his fourth tournament in four weeks on two continents, it has been an encouraging physical turnaround for HS Prannoy.
· DEV SUKUMAR
The Indian was battling gastroesophagal reflux disease – also known as acid reflux – which had wrecked the latter part of his season last year. He reported being hungry all day, and during training he felt nauseous and unable to breathe. The problem took months to sort out, but with the help of a specialist in the US, whom he consulted online, he made drastic changes to his diet and medication. It has taken time, but Prannoy says his body is in much better condition than he anticipated.
“At the beginning of the year I didn’t think I could play so soon, I was thinking of taking six months off and coming back later on,” said Prannoy, following a tough win over compatriot Kidambi Srikanth in the first round of the BLIBLI Indonesia Open 2019 yesterday. “That was the mindset. Compared to that, I’m happy with the way my body has responded. Thanks to the people who have helped me. This is my fourth tournament in a row and I’m able to push through.”
The Indian was diagnosed with the disease after the World Championships last August. He has had an uneven season this year, making quarterfinals in India, New Zealand and USA, but also suffering a few early exits.