Olympics 2024 Badminton: Who is Le Duc Phat? Know All About HS Prannoy's Group Stage Opponent

The Men's Singles Group Play stage of the Paris 2024 Olympics will witness a crucial encounter between India's HS Prannoy and Vietnam's Le Duc Phat at 11:00 PM IST on Wednesday, July 31.

Both shuttlers are gearing up to deliver a stellar performance in this decisive match. Le Duc Phat, an emerging badminton player from Vietnam, has made significant strides in his career and will be looking to showcase his skills against the experienced Indian player.

Born on February 1, 1998, in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Phat's journey to the Olympics has been marked by perseverance and dedication. Here is all you need to know about Phat, Prannoy's final group play stage opponent.

Olympic Performances

Le Duc Phat had an impressive start at the Paris 2024 Olympics with a commanding 2-0 victory over Germany's Fabian Roth. He won both sets 21-10, demonstrating his prowess on the court. This victory set the stage for his upcoming clash with HS Prannoy, the 13th seed in the tournament.

Early Life and Career

Phat's sporting journey began in a family with a strong sporting background. His father, a former national boxing champion, inspired him to pursue sports from a young age.

Despite trying his hand at various sports, including boxing and football, Phat found his true passion in badminton. He began competing full-time at age 16 and quickly made a mark by winning the Pakistan International tournament in 2017.

Challenges and Comeback

Phat's career faced setbacks due to injuries and the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused a significant drop in his rankings. By August 2022, he had fallen to the 464th position in the Badminton World Federation (BWF) rankings.

However, his determination saw him rebound strongly towards the end of 2022, winning the Vietnamese national championship and becoming the top-ranked Vietnamese badminton player in men's singles.

Recent Achievements

In 2023, Phat continued to build on his success with notable performances. He was the runner-up at the Vietnam International Challenge and the Kazakhstan Future Series and won the Tajikistan International and Uganda International tournaments. These achievements propelled him to a ranking of 70th in the world by July 2024.

Olympic Qualification

Le Duc Phat secured his spot at the Paris 2024 Olympics by being the 34th-ranked player among those eligible for the men's singles event. His dedication and hard work were further recognized when he was chosen as one of Vietnam's flag bearers for the Olympics, an honour highlighting his significant role in the country's sporting landscape.

The Anticipated Match: Prannoy vs. Phat

HS Prannoy, who has been in excellent form, is expected to be a formidable opponent for Phat. The Indian shuttler, placed in Group K alongside Phat and Germany's Fabian Roth, has already demonstrated his dominance by winning his previous matches convincingly.

Prannoy's experience and higher ranking make him the favourite in this encounter, but Phat's recent performances indicate that he is not to be underestimated.

Match Details

Date: Wednesday, July 31
Time: 11:00 PM IST
Event: Men's Singles Group Play Stage
Competitors: HS Prannoy (India) vs. Le Duc Phat (Vietnam)

As HS Prannoy looks to secure his spot in the elimination rounds, Le Duc Phat will aim to continue his remarkable Olympic journey. This match promises to be an exciting and competitive clash, with both players eager to advance further in the tournament.