NINGBO: India’s badminton prodigy Aayush Shetty pulled off a major shockwave at the Badminton Asia Championships, toppling world No.1 Kunlavut Vitidsarn in the semifinals to storm into the finals. The epic battle ended 10-21, 21-19, 21-17 after 75 minutes of high-octane action.
Trailing after the opener, the 25-year-old Indian flipped the script with ferocious smashes, deft net touches, and mental fortitude. His tactical mastery turned the tide, leaving the Thai star reeling.
This victory over the Olympic silver medalist from Paris is a pinnacle achievement for Shetty. He joins elite company as the first Indian men’s singles medalist here since Prannoy’s feat six years ago. The duo of Satwiksairaj and Chirag Shetty were India’s previous heroes in this tournament.
Shetty’s tournament run has been a revelation. He stunned world No.4 Jonatan Christie in quarters – a breakthrough win – following straight-set demolitions of Li Shifeng (No.7) and Chou Tien-chen.
Fresh off his US Open Super 300 title, Shetty’s poise under pressure has been exemplary. Contrastingly, PV Sindhu bowed out early, and Lakshya Sen crashed in round one, making Shetty India’s lone beacon.
The finals beckon, where Shetty can seize immortality. Victory would not only crown him champion but redefine Indian shuttling dominance on the Asian stage.
