Ayush Shetty produced a stunning performance at the Badminton Asia Championships, defeating World No. 1 Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand 10-21, 21-19, 21-17 in the semi-final at Ningbo Olympic Sports Centre.
The victory marked a historic moment for Indian badminton, as Ayush secured a medal and a place in the final.
The 19-year-old Indian shuttler fought back after losing the first game, displaying remarkable composure and aggression to outplay the top seed in an intense 75-minute battle. His triumph ended India’s long wait for a men’s singles podium finish since HS Prannoy’s feat in 2018.
Ayush’s journey to the final has been extraordinary. He defeated World No. 4 Jonatan Christie of Indonesia and World No. 7 Li Shi Feng of China earlier in the tournament. His consistent form and fearless approach have earned him praise from fans and experts alike.
The young star also overcame Chin Yu Jen of Chinese Taipei in straight games, continuing his dominant run. His victories over top-ranked players highlight his growing stature in international badminton.
Ayush now stands as the first Indian men’s singles player in eight years to reach the Asian Championships final, signalling a new era for Indian badminton. His achievement follows India’s last medal at the event, won by Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty in 2023.
