Asian Games bronze medallist H S Prannoy insists that he isn’t taking his Paris Olympics qualification for granted despite sitting pretty on eighth spot in the world ranking considering the competition levels in men’s singles in India. He disclosed this during a special meet hosted to announce his collaboration with Federal Bank in Mumbai.
This collaboration is an integral component of Federal Bank’s broader strategy to invest in various adjacent domains to enhance its brand’s influence. The Bank’s core philosophy, “Rishta Aap Se Hai Sirf App Se Nahi”, remains at the heart of these initiatives. Federal Bank is deeply committed to contributing to various aspects of society, encompassing sports, music, culture, and gender diversity, as it continually evolves to exceed the expectations of its customers. The partnership with Prannoy underscores the Bank’s dedication to individual athletes and sports personalities, recognizing the immense dedication and hard work required to excel in individual sports.
MVS Murthy, Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), Federal Bank, elaborated more on the collaboration, ” Work Ethic is the intersection point for Prannoy and Federal Bank. He represents the passion of India’s Youth to put up the Tri-colour at the topmost pedestal on every given opportunity. And being a Champion Sportsperson, he accentuates the India Story of demographic dividend. His persona appeals to the younger generation of clients and colleagues at our Bank. The average age of many of our Customers and Colleagues, are close to Prannoy’s. We believe that individuals help raise the bar in sports, at work, in a successful franchise and cascade the euphoria for a Nation aspiring to be seen as a Champion State. MAB is the common bonding goal for both of us. Prannoy is surely pursuing to become the Most Admired Badminton Player and Federal Bank’s pursuit to become the Most Admired Bank. We are broadbasing our marketing initiatives not just around sports but also creating innovative templates of association with the Federal Bank Brand.”
Expressing on this collaboration, H.S. Prannoy said, “I firmly believe that my partnership with Federal Bank will contribute to the continued growth of badminton’s brand reputation in India. I am committed to adding sheen to Federal Bank’s people at the core business model. Like the Bank, I too use technology to strengthen my game. The joy playing in front of people is what gives me an adrenalin rush. Badminton is a sport where you can easily step out with a friend and start playing without any hassle. Professionals in the sport also require a high level of mental intensity. It’s my pleasure to have Federal Bank, back my efforts and give wings to my conquests in tournaments across the globe. “
Prannoy is currently ranked 7th in the Road to Paris ranking with compatriots Lakshya Sen at 17 and Kidambi Srikanth at 20. According to the qualification rules, a country can send two players to the Olympics only if both are ranked among the top-16 in world ranking at the end of the qualification period on April 28, 2024. “Qualifying for the Paris Olympics is the primary aim right now. There are 10-12 tournaments left before the qualification ends and I can’t take anything for granted. Competition in men’s singles is very high. I need to stay consistent and focus on my training and continue to work hard,” said the 2023 Malaysia Masters champion.
He mentioned Indian badminton players are benefitting from the government support for training, tournaments and even sports science support. “Thanks to the support from the government and partners like Federal Bank, we can focus on badminton as a lot of things taken care of,” he added.
Prannoy pointed out that badminton as a sport has grown immensely in the country and there are many academies across the country training upcoming players. The need of the hour now is to have higher prize money in domestic tournaments and corporate coming forward to support players. He also added the importance of getting more qualified coaches back in the system to encourage the next generation to get the best of coaching for competitive participation.
Within the framework of this annual partnership, Federal Bank will assume the role of Prannoy’s exclusive banking partner. As a visible symbol of this alliance, Prannoy will proudly display the Federal Bank logo during his participation in prestigious Badminton World Federation (BWF) events, such as the BWF Super Series, BWF Gold Series, and the BWF World Badminton Championship. Additionally, Prannoy will prominently feature the logo and branding during post-match media interviews.
Prannoy, who became the first Indian men’s singles player to win an Asian Games bronze medal since 1982 in Hangzhou last month, is scheduled to participate in the Japan Open World Super 500 and China Open World Super 750 tournaments this month.
