Hangzhou: India’s star shuttler HS Prannoy's remarkable journey at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou came to an end on Friday as he was defeated in straight games by China’s Li Shi Feng in the badminton men’s singles semifinal.

Despite trailing by just a point during the opening game interval, world no. 1 Feng dominated the contest, securing a 21-16, 21-9 victory in a little over 45 minutes, dashing Indian hopes for a gold medal.

While the loss meant Prannoy settled for bronze, it marked a historic achievement for the star player, ending India's 41-year-long drought for a second medal in men's singles badminton at the Games.

The last time this feat was accomplished was by Syed Modi in the 1982 edition of the Asian Games.

This medal is India's third in badminton at the 19th Asian Games.

On Thursday, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty advanced to the men's doubles semi-finals, becoming the second Indian pair to secure a medal since Leroy D'sa and Pradeep Gandhe claimed bronze in 1982.

Indian men's team clinched silver the previous Sunday, despite Prannoy being sidelined due to a back injury.

After his incredible quarterfinal victory against Malaysia's Lee Zii Jia (21-16, 21-23, 22-20) on Thursday, Prannoy revealed he was not at full strength due to his ongoing recovery from the injury.

Notably, Prannoy had defeated Shi Feng three times before, including twice in 2023.