Injured Prannoy, Early Exits Mark Disappointing Day for India at Korea Open 2025

India’s campaign at the Korea Open 2025 came to an early and disappointing end on Wednesday, with all five Indian entries crashing out on the opening day of the main draw. Veteran shuttler H. S. Prannoy’s injury-induced retirement headlined a dismal outing for the Indian contingent in Jeonju.

Prannoy, seeded and expected to lead the charge, was up against Indonesia’s Chico Aura Dwi Wardoyo in the men’s singles opening round. The 33-year-old was trailing 5-8 when he lunged for a cross-court smash and immediately clutched his right ribs in visible pain. After a brief medical timeout, Prannoy attempted to continue but was clearly struggling with movement. The match was halted again at 8-16 as he was forced to retire hurt, bringing a premature end to his campaign.

Meanwhile, rising star Ayush Shetty, who recently made headlines by clinching the U.S. Open Super 300 title, failed to replicate that form. Facing Chinese Taipei’s Su Li Yang, Ayush fought hard in both games but couldn’t find the edge in key moments, losing 18-21, 18-21 in a 47-minute contest. The loss meant India’s men’s singles hopes were extinguished in the first round itself.

In another close men’s singles encounter, Kiran George displayed grit against Singapore’s former world champion Loh Kean Yew. After losing the opening game 14-21, George bounced back with a spirited 22-20 win in the second. However, Loh regrouped and clinched the decider 21-14, sealing the match and denying George a place in the next round.

In women’s singles, young Anupama Upadhyaya was up against a formidable opponent in fourth seed Putri Kusuma Wardani of Indonesia. Despite showing flashes of potential, Anupama was outclassed 16-21, 15-21 in straight games, failing to pose a consistent threat to the World No. 8.

India’s mixed doubles hopes also met an abrupt end as Mohit Jaglan and Lakshita Jaglan were comprehensively beaten by Japan’s Yuichi Shimogami and Sayaka Hobara. The Japanese pair dominated throughout, winning 21-7, 21-14 in just 31 minutes.

With no Indian players advancing beyond the first round, the Korea Open 2025 marks a forgettable chapter for Indian badminton. Attention will now turn to recovery and regrouping ahead of the next events on the BWF calendar.