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Ayush Shetty Enters Asian Badminton Final

  • By Thetripurapost Desk, Zhejiang, China
  • Apr 11, 2026
  • 65

Indian badminton sensation Ayush Shetty has scripted history by reaching the men’s singles final of the Asian Badminton Championships, becoming the first Indian in 60 years to achieve this milestone. The last Indian to win the men’s singles title was Dinesh Khanna, who clinched the gold medal in 1965.

The 20-year-old produced a stunning performance in the semifinals held in Zhejiang, China, defeating top seed and defending champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand. Ranked World No. 25, Ayush overcame the Paris Olympic bronze medallist and 2023 World Champion in a thrilling three-game contest, winning 10-21, 21-19, 21-17. His remarkable comeback after losing the opening game highlighted his resilience and mental strength.

India’s only men’s singles gold at the tournament came when Dinesh Khanna defeated Thailand’s Sangob Rattanusorn in the final held in Lucknow in 1965. In recent years, India also tasted success in the doubles category, with Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty winning the title in 2023.

Sweet Revenge for Ayush

Ayush’s victory over Vitidsarn also served as redemption for his earlier defeat at the Arctic Open last year, where the Thai shuttler had won in straight games. This time, Ayush displayed exceptional composure and tactical acumen to turn the tables.

Impressive Journey to the Final

Ayush’s path to the final has been marked by several notable victories:

  • Quarterfinals: Defeated World No. 4 Jonatan Christie 23-21, 21-17.
  • Earlier Rounds: Beat Chin Yu Jen of Chinese Taipei and China’s Li Shi Feng.

Eyes on the Title

Ayush will now face the winner of the other semifinal between Chou Tien Chen and Shi Yuqi in the title clash, aiming to end India’s six-decade wait for a men’s singles crown at the Asian Badminton Championships.

This historic achievement not only revives India’s legacy in men’s singles badminton but also signals the emergence of Ayush Shetty as a promising new star on the global stage.