Rising Indian badminton star Ayush Shetty has reflected on his memorable silver medal run at the recent Badminton Asia Championships in China, where the 20-year-old Karnataka shuttler reached the men’s singles final and delivered several high-quality performances against top-ranked opponents. Though he fell to world number two Shi Yu Qi in the title clash, Shetty etched his name in history as only the second Indian to contest a men’s singles final at the championships, following Dinesh Khanna’s feat in 1965.
Shetty’s journey to the final featured impressive big-match battles that highlighted his potential as a generational talent. He began by defeating world number seven Li Shi Feng of China in straight games (21-13, 21-16). In the semifinals, he showcased remarkable composure to overcome Olympian and world number four Jonatan Christie of Indonesia (23-21, 21-17), saving a match point in the opening game. The biggest upset came against world number one and Paris Olympics silver medalist Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand, whom Shetty beat 21-19, 21-17 after dropping the first game, displaying tremendous resilience and tactical maturity.
In the final, Shi Yu Qi’s smart play prevented Shetty from dominating the net and limited his smash angles, but the youngster remained philosophical. “I think it is always a special feeling… winning a medal for your country. I’m really happy with the way I played throughout the tournament,” he said. He added that facing the world’s best is “always a big challenge and a chance for me to prove that… I am right there with the world’s best players.”
Shetty’s passion for the sport ignited at age eight while watching his father play. His dream has always been to represent India at the highest level and win major medals. Two-time Olympic medalist PV Sindhu praised him as a “generational talent,” noting his height and powerful smash—comments that deeply touched the young shuttler, who described Sindhu as humble and inspiring.
Training alongside seniors like Lakshya Sen has taught Shetty the value of mental strength in big matches, while sessions with Viktor Axelsen in Dubai offered insights into elite training intensity and off-court management.
Now selected for India’s Thomas Cup squad, Shetty is eager to contribute to a strong team featuring Thomas Cup 2022 winners like Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, Chirag Shetty, Kidambi Srikanth, and Lakshya Sen. “I am really happy playing alongside the players who won the trophy… the team is really looking strong and we are confident, and we will try our best to get the trophy back home,” he affirmed.
Shetty’s Asia Championships campaign not only boosts his confidence but also signals the continued depth of India’s badminton talent pool since the 2022 Thomas Cup triumph. As he prepares for future challenges, including the Thomas Cup later this year, the young star’s blend of skill, maturity, and hunger positions him as a key figure in India’s quest for more global badminton success.
Discussion about this post