In what has been a breakthrough week at the Badminton Asia Championships 2026 in Ningbo, 20-year-old Indian shuttler Ayush Shetty delivered one of the biggest upsets of the tournament by defeating defending champion and world No. 1 Kunlavut Vitidsarn 10-21, 21-19, 21-17 in the semifinals to reach the title match — becoming the first Indian men’s singles finalist in 61 years.
In the final, however, Shetty came up against world No. 2 Shi Yu Qi of China and lost 8-21, 10-21, signing off with a silver medal in his maiden Asia Championships appearance. Shi controlled the match with relentless precision, denying the young Indian the rhythm he had shown throughout the week.
Shetty’s coach, Vimal Kumar, praised his protégé’s mental fortitude throughout the tournament: “He handled the tight moments exceptionally well and seemed to get into Kunlavut’s head with his attacking style,” he said, highlighting how Shetty responded under pressure in the semifinal. “This week has given him invaluable experience; he’s shown he can compete with the very best and will only grow stronger from here.”
Reflecting on the final, Vimal Kumar explained how Shi Yu Qi tactically denied Ayush Shetty his natural attacking rhythm. “Shi controlled the tempo from the start and kept the shuttle away from Ayush’s ideal hitting zone, which stopped him from playing his steep smashes and sharp net game,” he noted, adding that at this level, “attack has to be constructed with patience and variation, not forced with pace alone.” He pointed out the cluster of unforced errors in the first game and the momentum shift after Ayush’s 7–2 lead in the second, saying, “Against players of this calibre, you must build rallies smarter, vary angles and height, and stay precise under pressure.” Vimal, however, remained optimistic: “This week has shown that Ayush belongs here. With better shot variation, tighter control, and continued exposure to such matches, he will only grow stronger.”
Despite the straight-game loss in the final, this silver medal marks a significant milestone for Indian men’s badminton, with supporters and veterans alike — including Olympic medallist PV Sindhu, who hailed him a “generational talent” — anticipating a bright future for the young star.
Shetty’s memorable run — featuring wins against top-ranked opponents — has not only earned him a continental medal but also showcased his potential to consistently challenge the world’s elite in major championships.
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