Nationals will help prepare for All England: Praneeth
campaign on home soil, is probably best known for a wonder save he produced to deny Brazilian great Pele in the 1970 World Cup group match.
“Once I got my hand to it I hadn’t a clue where it was going,” he modestly said afterwards.
Pele — who would go on to lift the trophy — admitted later he had said ‘ gol’, so sure was he that the ball was heading into the net. Brazil still won the game 1- 0.
However, Banks later recounted that he did not appreciate the remark made by one of his teammates that day, midfielder Guwahati, Feb. 12: A crammed BWF calendar affecting his fitness last season, Indian shuttler B. Sai Praneeth says he will pick his tournaments carefully in the Olympic qualification year and is eyeing a national title to prepare for the All England Championship next month.
With defending champion H. S. Prannoy and finalist Kidambi Srikanth withdrawing due to fitness issues, former champion Praneeth will be one of the favourites to lift the trophy at the 83rd Senior Nationals, which got underway with the qualifiers here on Tuesday.
“Last season, I struggled with my fitness and I was playing many tournaments. From June to Alan Mullery.
“I patted him on his head, and I said ‘ why didn’t you catch it?’ and the abuse that came back was unbelievable,” said Mullery.
Mullery said Banks was probably the best goalkeeper he had played with or against. December, I played continuously. I am fine now and fortunately no injuries,” Praneeth said.
“I am looking forward to All England next month and Nationals will be good match practice to prepare. It will help my confidence ahead of the international events. You have to beat all the top Indian players to win it and it is not easy because everyone is playing well,” said Praneeth, who will also play the Swiss Open this year.
The Olympic qualification period will be between April 29, 2019 to April 26, 2020, and the BWF rankings published on April 30, 2020 will decide who makes the cut for the Tokyo Games.
Praneeth, who is currently ranked 26th, said he will need a bit of luck and series a consistent performances to earn him a ticket to the Olympics.
“It is an Olympic qualification year, so scheduling of the tournaments will be important. I can afford not to play a few events. We will need a bit of luck and good performance. I have to play quarters and semis consistently, but that won’t be easy, so you also need a favourable draw sometimes.”
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badminton player