PBL great platform for young shuttlers to learn: Prannoy
INDIAN SHUTTLER H.S. Prannoy believes Premier Badminton League (PBL) has given a great platform to budding talents to learn and play alongside some of the best in the business.
“It is a great learning experience for the youngsters to play alongside big names in badminton world. PBL has given us the stage for this and we have to make the best use of it,” Prannoy said at a press conference here on Wednesday.
The World No.20 shuttler will be representing Mumbai Rockets in the PBL starting on January 2 here.
The Mumbai team looks a well-balanced outfit with the experience of Danish Mathias Boe, Prannoy helping mould and channel the youthful energy of R.M.V. Gurusaidutt, Ruthvika Gadde.
Other players include Han Li, Liu Zi Die, Vladimir Ivanov, Manu Attri, Chayut Triyachart and Kamilla Juhl.
Besides Mumbai, other five franchisee participating are Delhi Acers, Hyderabad Hunters, Bengaluru Top Guns, Chennai Smashers, and Awadhe Warriors.
The opening day of the League will witness Awadhe Warriors, spearheaded by 2012 Olympic bronze medallist and 2015 World Championship silver medallist Saina Nehwal, taking on Mumbai Rockets here.
Speaking on the strength of his team, the 23-year-old Prannoy said:
“We have a balanced team this time around and we have to give our best to come out victorious. All the teams look good on paper and it will be seen which team gets to do well on the given day.”
Olympic 2012 men's doubles silver medallist Boe said it is a great opportunity for the young players to learn from the top players. The 35-year-old also stressed that all six teams look strong on paper.
“Great inspiration for the junior players to play in this sort of league. I will give my best in the competition and help the youngsters as much as possible. I have had a look at the other teams and on paper everyone is strong,” Boe, who has two World Championships medals, said.
“We have to see which team performs well on the given day. But overall this sort of league is great learning experience for the players. We have a very good squad with both experience and young talent. I hope we have all the things to challenge the other teams in the league,” the 35-year-old said.
