Ayush Shetty has sparked renewed interest in Indian badminton following a remarkable performance at the Badminton Asia Championships (BAC), where he achieved four surprising victories, three of which were against players ranked in the Top 10. The 20-year-old, currently positioned at No. 18 in the world rankings, entered the tournament in Ningbo with optimism but did not anticipate making it to the final. He humorously reflected on a unique net block he executed for the first time, which gained viral attention, and expressed gratitude for encouraging messages from Bollywood icons Anil Kapoor and Sunil Shetty that brought him joy.
Q. You had a challenging start to the season. How did you cope with it?
Ayush Shetty: My last competition was in Australia in 2025, but I faced an injury and participated in the Malaysia Super 1000 with very limited preparation. I wasn’t at my physical or technical peak. While I had a decent match against Shi Yuqi in Malaysia, I suffered four early exits and one in the second round. I traveled to Europe feeling optimistic but was unable to deliver strong performances.
Q. Last year, you secured victories against notable players like Kodai Naraoka, Chou Tien Chen, and Loh Kean Yew. What was your mindset leading up to BAC?
Ayush Shetty: This was my first experience at the Asian Championships, and I was filled with excitement. I understood that losses are part of the game, so I focused on my process. My previous victories over Top 10 players significantly boosted my confidence, and even during my struggles in Europe, those wins reassured me of my capability to compete with top-tier opponents. I have always believed in my ability to defeat anyone on the court.
Q. Have you historically been effective at closing out matches?
Ayush Shetty: It varies; sometimes it comes naturally, yet there have been occasions where I couldn’t finish strong. However, during this tournament, I felt confident and knew I was playing effectively. In the second round against No. 20 Chi Yu Jen, maintaining pace at the net and sustaining my offensive strategy proved beneficial.
Q. Many Indians became familiar with you through that viral net block. What was the context behind that moment?
Ayush Shetty: In my match against Li Shifeng, the world No. 7 from China, I started slowly. However, I ended up executing a shot that gained traction online (laughs). It was just a basic block at the net, but it shifted the match’s momentum. Prior to that, he had been scoring consecutively. After the block, I felt more at ease and played with freedom. I instinctively extended my racquet, having never attempted such a block before. I was thrilled by the moment, but I didn’t expect it to go viral. It was pivotal as it allowed me to take the lead, changing the course of the match.
Q. What are your favorite shots to execute?
Ayush Shetty: My preferred shots include the overhead straight smash, the forehand cross-court smash, and the forehand cross-push from the net.
Q. How did you handle the consistency of World No. 4 Jonatan Christie?
Ayush Shetty: His former coach, Irwan Sir, is now my coach as well. He provided valuable insights on how to approach Jonatan. The shuttle was behaving oddly that day, spinning rapidly at the net and moving swiftly. I managed to gain better control over it.
Q. How significant was the semifinal match against World No. 1 Kunlavut Vitidsarn?
Ayush Shetty: It was undoubtedly my best match of the tournament. In the first game, Kunlavut had me running all over the court. I anticipated his deceptive plays, and it started poorly for me. After reaching the 15-point mark in the first game, I began assessing what strategies might work, even though I realized I had lost that game. In the second game, I played more neutrally, sticking to straight shots since he excels at playing to the sides. Eventually, my attack began to function effectively.
Q. In retrospect, would you approach the final against Shi Yuqi differently?
Ayush Shetty: I still feel disappointed. I had hoped to conclude the tournament on a high note with a strong final performance, but he was able to break my rhythm. He maintained precision in his pushes. I had opportunities when I led 7-2 but allowed him to come back, after which he became nearly unbeatable. Mistakes against top players are costly.
Q. How crucial have adjustments in fitness and nutrition been for you?
Ayush Shetty: Fitness has never been my strong suit, and I recognize that I need to enhance my endurance. However, I have started focusing on it now. Nutrition has also played a vital role, particularly with recent dietary changes. I used to indulge in ice cream and chocolates frequently (laughs). In the past, I thought it was acceptable to enjoy those treats occasionally, but now I realize it’s been a long time since I last had them and I don’t even crave them anymore.
Q. Did any controversial line calls during the match against Li Shifeng affect you?
Ayush Shetty: Yes, there were a few calls that were ruled in when they should have been out. However, dwelling on those decisions can lead to losing focus and several subsequent points. I reminded myself it was just one point and to move on.
Q. Which celebrity messages have resonated with you the most?
Ayush Shetty: Anil Kapoor’s message, where he expressed that the entire nation was supporting me, was particularly touching. Suniel Shetty’s encouragement also meant a lot as did messages from friends. I am genuinely grateful for their support.
Shivani Naik is a seasoned sports journalist and serves as the Assistant Editor at The Indian Express. She is recognized as a leading authority in Indian Olympic sports journalism, especially known for her in-depth knowledge of badminton, wrestling, and basketball.
Professional Profile
Role: Assistant Editor and Columnist at The Indian Express.
Specialization: While she covers a range of sports, she is the primary badminton expert for the publication and also writes extensively on tennis, track and field, wrestling, and gymnastics.
Writing Style: Her articles are characterized by “technical storytelling,” which delves into the biomechanics, strategies, and mental resilience of athletes. She often provides in-depth features that explore the personal narratives of athletes beyond their competitive achievements.
Key Topics & Recent Coverage (Late 2025):
As of December 2025, Shivani Naik’s recent articles have focused on the evolving landscape of Indian sports as athletes gear up for the 2026 Asian Games and beyond:
Indian Badminton’s “Hulks”: She has recently highlighted a new cadre of Indian shuttlers who are distinguished by their power and prowess.
