Shetty Ready for Tough Draw at BWF World Championships 2026

New Delhi, August 16 – Ayush Shetty is preparing for a demanding start at the BWF World Championships 2026, where he will meet China’s Shi Yuqi, the defending champion, in the first round. Shetty, who has previously lost three times to Shi, says he feels strategically stronger this time around. “We’re not focusing on past matches. This will be a completely different game with a new approach,” he said.

Shetty’s recent form includes a US Open title in 2025 and several victories over top‑ranked players on the BWF circuit. After a debut loss at the India Open earlier this year, he returned to the Indira Gandhi Stadium, noting the significant improvements in infrastructure and the heightened level of competition. “The venue is much better now, and everyone is talking about the upgrades. We’ll have to adapt and play our game,” Shetty added, expressing excitement and a relaxed mindset ahead of the championship.