India’s HS Prannoy has criticised the absence of Hawk-Eye technology after his Round of 16 exit at the Badminton Asia Championships 2026, raising concerns over officiating standards at a top-tier tournament.
Taking to social media, Prannoy expressed frustration over a disputed line call during his match against China’s Weng Hong Yang, questioning why such technology was not available on all courts.
“Unbelievable in 2026”
“It’s 2026, and I still can’t believe there is no Hawk-Eye on Court 2 for a Super 1000 event,” Prannoy wrote, highlighting the inconsistency in technological support at the venue.
The lack of video review tools at a premier competition has sparked debate among fans and experts about the need for uniform officiating standards across all courts.
Straight-games loss after close contest
Prannoy lost the match in straight games, 12-21, 19-21, at the Ningbo Olympic Sports Center Gymnasium. While he conceded the first game quickly, he mounted a strong comeback in the second, staying competitive until the closing stages.
The disputed call came at a crucial moment in the second game, adding to his frustration in what was otherwise a tightly contested match.
Strong start but early exit
The 33-year-old had begun his campaign on a positive note, defeating Nguyen Hai Dang in the opening round with a 24-22, 21-12 victory.
However, he was unable to sustain that momentum, with his campaign ending earlier than expected.
India’s campaign suffers setbacks
Prannoy’s exit added to a disappointing run for India at the tournament. Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu was also eliminated in the Round of 16 after losing 21-18, 21-8 to China’s Wang Zhi Yi.
Sindhu remained competitive in the opening game but was outplayed in the second, as Wang sealed the match comfortably.
Earlier, Lakshya Sen suffered a first-round exit, while Malvika Bansod and Tanvi Sharma also crashed out in the opening round of the women’s singles.
Ayush Shetty provides lone bright spot
Amid the setbacks, 20-year-old Ayush Shetty has emerged as India’s standout performer. The World No. 25 advanced to the quarterfinals with impressive straight-game wins over higher-ranked opponents, including Chi Yu Jen and Li Shi Feng.
He is set to face Indonesia’s third seed Jonatan Christie in the quarterfinals, keeping India’s hopes alive in the tournament.
Conclusion
Prannoy’s criticism has brought renewed focus on the need for consistent use of technology in international badminton. As India’s campaign faces setbacks, the spotlight now shifts to Ayush Shetty, who carries the nation’s hopes forward in Ningbo.