NEW DELHI: At just 20 years old, Ayush Shetty has already made a name for himself on the international badminton stage, most recently stunning the world by defeating World No. 1 Kunlavut Vitidsarn at the Badminton Asia Championships on Saturday.
The Indian shuttler’s remarkable semi-final victory at the Ningbo Olympic Sports Centre has not only booked him a spot in the final but also announced his arrival as a force to be reckoned with in men’s singles badminton.
Ranked 25th in the world, Shetty overcame a daunting first-game deficit, losing 10-21, before rallying to take the next two games 21-19, 21-17 in a gripping one-hour and 15-minute encounter. His composure, tactical awareness, and aggressive net play turned the tide against the Thai star, proving that he belongs among the elite.
This achievement also etched his name in Indian badminton history. Shetty is the first Indian men’s singles player since HS Prannoy in 2018 to reach the podium at the Badminton Asia Championships, ending India’s short wait for a medal at the event following the doubles success of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty in 2023. His quarter-final victory over World No. 4 Jonathan Christie further underscored his rapid ascent on the global stage.