Badminton asian championship 2026 : India’s rising badminton talent Ayush Shetty has expressed pride and optimism after securing a silver medal at the Badminton Asia Championships. The 20-year-old described the event as one of the most rewarding tournaments of his career, highlighting the confidence he gained from competing against top-level opponents.
Shetty shared that he was pleased with his overall performance, especially considering the tough matches he had to navigate on his way to the final. According to him, winning those challenging encounters made the journey even more satisfying.
Final Defeat, But No Regrets
Despite his impressive run, Shetty admitted feeling a sense of disappointment after falling short in the final. He lost to reigning world champion Shi Yu Qi in straight games, 8-21, 10-21, at the Ningbo Olympic Center.
Acknowledging his opponent’s dominance, Shetty said Shi Yu Qi was simply the better player on the day. However, he remained grateful for the silver medal, seeing it as a significant milestone in his career.
Historic Achievement for Indian Badminton
With this silver medal, Shetty became the first Indian men’s singles player since 2018 to reach the podium at the Asian Championships, following in the footsteps of HS Prannoy.
His journey to the final included a remarkable semifinal victory over Thailand’s reigning champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn. This achievement also made him only the second Indian men’s singles player to reach the final of the tournament, and the third Indian overall.
Had he won the title, Shetty would have equaled the legendary feat of Dinesh Khanna, who won the men’s singles crown back in 1965.
Eyes on the Future: Thomas Cup and Beyond
Looking ahead, Shetty is now focused on the upcoming Thomas Cup. He expressed excitement about representing India and emphasized the team’s determination to bring the trophy home.
The young shuttler also spoke about his long-term ambition of becoming the best player in the world. While victories against top players have boosted his confidence, he believes consistency will be the key to achieving that goal.
A Journey Just Beginning
Ayush Shetty’s performance at the Badminton Asia Championships marks a significant step forward in his career. With growing confidence, international exposure, and a clear vision for the future, the young Indian shuttler appears ready to take on the world stage.