Ayush Shetty Shines in 2026 Thomas Cup Following Historic BAC Silver
As the group stage matches of the 2026 Thomas and Uber Cup unfold, 20-year-old Ayush Shetty stands out as the only Indian to achieve victory in all three of his matches. This performance follows his impressive silver medal win at the Badminton Asian Championships just two weeks prior, marking him as India’s first men’s singles finalist in the tournament’s 64-year history.
Standing at 6’4″ and currently ranked world No. 18, Shetty has rapidly positioned himself at the forefront of Indian badminton, showcasing immense confidence with every stroke. His recent accomplishments have sparked comparisons to retired legend Viktor Axelsen, particularly because of their uncommon height in the sport. However, Ayush’s journey is just beginning, and his BAC silver mark was a significant breakthrough in his career.
Having recently trained with Axelsen at the renowned “Axelsen boot camp” in Dubai, Shetty received high praise for his playing style, which Axelsen found reminiscent of his own. Olympic medallist PV Sindhu, who has also taken him under her wing with shared coach Irwansyah Adi Pratama, described Shetty as a “generational talent” with “pure natural ability.” Such endorsements from established athletes highlight the growing anticipation for Shetty’s future in badminton.
His remarkable run at the BAC in China saw him defeat top-tier opponents, including then-world No. 1 Kunlavut Vitidsarn, world No. 4 Jonatan Christie, and world No. 7 Li Shi Feng, before losing to reigning champion Shi Yu Qi in the final. Following this thrilling performance, he participated in an online press conference with around 40 journalists—a significant demand for a young athlete who has yet to claim a gold medal. Notably, his captivating play went viral, including a stunning block against Li Shi Feng’s jump smash, despite the tournament not being aired in India.
Shetty is now focused on his next challenge with the Indian team at the Thomas Cup in Denmark. He plays a crucial role as the second-ranked player in the squad, taking the third match in every tie to either secure victories or maintain team competitiveness based on earlier matches led by Lakshya Sen and the doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty. Addressing the need for improvement, he remarked, “I’ve not got much time to celebrate [the BAC silver]… Still a long way to go.”
Born and raised in Karkala, Karnataka, Shetty has emerged through prestigious training at the Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy in Bengaluru. His ascent began with a World Junior Championship medal in 2023 and continued with a significant semi-final appearance at the 2025 Orleans Masters, followed by India’s first title of the season at the 2025 US Open. His BAC silver distinguished him further, coming at a critical moment for Indian badminton, where fresh faces are vital for sustaining interest in the sport.
Ayush’s game features an expansive and aggressive style, capable of executing powerful smashes and creative angles. Coach Sagar Chopda remarked on Shetty’s competitive spirit, noting his unwavering desire to win, which is visible even during practice sessions. Chopda praised Shetty’s progress and highlighted the rarity of athletes transitioning successfully from junior to senior circuits, a feat accomplished previously by Lakshya Sen.
As he contemplates the need for consistency in his performances, Shetty acknowledges the challenges associated with his height. Injuries, particularly to his lower back, have surfaced due to the unique demands placed on taller players. He shared insights on improving his fitness and adapting his defensive play to overcome these barriers.
Now at a pivotal stage in his career where silver medals can galvanize support and build expectations, Shetty is poised to continue his ascent in Indian badminton. With upcoming prestigious events like the Asian Games and World Championships this year, he faces an opportunity to achieve greater visibility and acclaim.
Special Credits: Image Courtesy of Espn
