Great chance for the youngsters to prove themselves in absence of Saina & Sindhu at BAMTC, says Prannoy

BADMINTON ASIA MIXED TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP kick-starts tomorrow in Vietnam and the Indian team reached the destination on Sunday.

The Indian contingent has touched down in Vietnam for Badminton Asia Mixed Team Championships. Good luck to Team India! pic.twitter.com/D5tdMQAXDL

— BAI Media (@BAI_Media) February 12, 2017

The setback for the team is that Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu have pulled out of the tournament in order to concentrate on the major upcoming event like All England.

That leaves the onus of women's singles on youngsters Tanvi Lad and Rituparna Das. The absence of big names also puts the men's singles shuttlers HS Prannoy and Sameer Verma in taking up the leadership of the team.

India is in the same group as Korea and Singapore, where Korea is seeded No. 2. It puts India under immense pressure but Prannoy is confident of going ahead in the quarters after beating Singapore.

"We have a good chance against Singapore but Korea looks a bit tough though. But I guess we should win against Singapore and try to qualify for quarters," he said to PTI.

He also added that this will be a good chance for the youngsters to shine.

"The absence of Saina and Sindhu will obviously affect our chances but I think it's a great chance for the youngsters to prove themselves."

After Premier Badminton League (PBL) Prannoy hasn't found form at the international tournaments and he hopes to be better in Vietnam.

"I have been doing pretty okay, I guess. Nothing new as in preparation but I think I should be good when matches starts."

In the doubles, all eyes will be on the mixed doubles duo of Pranaav Jerry Chopra/Sikki Reddy. Sikki will also be seen alongside Ashwini Ponnappa. Men's doubles pair Manu Attri/Sumeeth Reddy will be tested.

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