Twenty-year-old Ayush Shetty pulled off a massive 10-21, 21-19, 21-17 comeback victory over World No. 1 and defending champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn in Ningbo, China. The stunning upset ended a 61-year drought for Indian badminton. Shetty is now only the second Indian men’s singles player in history to reach the Badminton Asia Championships final, matching Dinesh Khanna’s historic run in 1965.
Two-time Olympic medalist PV Sindhu immediately took to social media to crown Shetty a “generational talent” following the match. She revealed the rising star spent the last three weeks training alongside her and Coach Irwan. That close-up look solidified her belief in his rare potential.
Sindhu singled out Shetty’s physical attributes and court vision. She highlighted his tall frame and excellent reach. He possesses a “very deep, heavy smash” that dismantled Vitidsarn’s defense. Sindhu also praised his defensive instinct. She noted his ability to stay low, read the shuttle accurately, and absorb intense pressure during grueling rallies according to the Indian Express.
The path to the summit clash has been a systematic giant-killing spree. Shetty did not just beat the reigning Paris Olympics silver medalist. He previously eliminated World No. 7 Li Shi Feng in the opening round. He then took out World No. 4 Jonatan Christie in the quarterfinals India Today reported. He is the first Indian men’s singles player to secure any medal at this continental event since HS Prannoy in 2018.
The young shuttler now faces China’s second-seeded Shi Yu Qi in the championship match. Sindhu commended Shetty’s serious attitude and rapid progress on the court. She emphasized that maintaining peak physical fitness and staying injury-free will dictate his long-term success in professional sports. The entire badminton world is now watching Ningbo. The 61-year wait for gold is just one match away from ending as Olympics.com detailed his unprecedented run.