Ayush Shetty Secures Silver Medal at Badminton Asia Championship
April 13, 2026 – Ayush Shetty’s impressive week at the Badminton Asia Championship culminated in a silver medal, marking a significant highlight for Indian badminton. The 20-year-old athlete defeated three top-10 players, including world number one Kunlavut Vitidsarn, fourth-ranked Jonatan Christie, and seventh-ranked Li Shi Feng, before falling to reigning world champion Shi Yu Qi in the final.
Shetty’s standout performance, which included a viral split-second shot, has solidified his reputation as a rising star in the sport. This runner-up finish comes after a challenging start to the season hindered by injuries, offering validation of his potential. Ranked 25th globally and currently the second-best men’s singles player in India, Shetty’s recent achievements could significantly impact his performance in upcoming competitions, notably the Thomas Cup and the Asian Games.
Reflecting on his experience in Ningbo, Shetty expressed newfound belief in his abilities, stating, “I always wanted to be one of the best players in the world. But earlier, I would say, I didn’t believe it as much as I do now. But over a period of time, I have really started believing it.” Despite the final loss, which ended with scores of 21-8, 21-10, he emphasized the importance of the lessons learned from the match.
Throughout the championship, Shetty felt a surge of aggression and determination. “I was more aggressive; usually I’m not, but this week I was, showing how much I really wanted to win all the matches,” he remarked. His heightened aggression is supported by his impressive physical attributes, standing at 6 feet 4 inches tall, which has led to comparisons with Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen.
Training at the Centre for Badminton Excellence in Bengaluru, Shetty has recently joined a group that includes PV Sindhu, under the coaching of Irwansyah Adi Pratama. The athlete is adapting his strength and conditioning post-injury to enhance his performance. On the psychological front, he has consulted a psychologist to maintain his confidence through early-round losses.
Shetty believes the lessons learned and physical momentum gained from this tournament will serve him well throughout 2026, as he prepares for high-stakes events such as the Thomas Cup and the World Championships in New Delhi.
Special Credits: Image Courtesy of Espn
