Worlds bronze feels like redemption after Paris Olympic pain, says Chirag Shetty

“It feels like redemption,” says Chirag Shetty, one half of the SatChi duo that ended India’s medal drought at the World Badminton Championships in Paris — the same city where the pair had endured its biggest heartbreak.

Chirag and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy won the men’s doubles bronze, their second Worlds medal. The world No. 9 pair stunned Malaysia’s two-time Olympic medallists Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik in the quarterfinals before losing to China’s Chen Bo Yang and Liu Yi in the semifinals.

“That win against Aaron is very special. More than the medal, just knowing that if we play the right game, we can beat anyone. We’ve not had a great record against them, especially at the Olympics,” Chirag said.

“Winning in two straight games was a huge boost, and a sort of redemption for last year’s Olympics, where we lost to them on the same court. So yeah, it feels really special.”

The victory placed them alongside Saina Nehwal and P.V. Sindhu as the only Indians to have won multiple World Championship medals.

“It makes it even more special because we’ve not had the best of years, both on and off the court. This win surely gives us hope and the belief that the hardships we’ve gone through were worthwhile.”

The semifinal slipped away despite a strong start. The Indians led 11-6 in the opener, took the second, but trailed 1-9 in the decider and never recovered.

“The momentum shifted in the deciding game. They mixed it up with flick serves and kept us guessing. Looking back, maybe we should have been more patient instead of pressing for the kill from the first shot. But credit to them, they served really well,” Chirag admitted.

The medal extended India’s run of World Championship podium finishes since 2011.

“It’s a great feat. All of us had tough draws, but to come out with two quarterfinals and one medal is special. And (H.S.) Prannoy almost beat the world No. 2. Overall, a good campaign for India,” he said.

For now, fitness remains the immediate focus.

“Our short-term goal is to be at our physical best. Then to reach a final and hopefully win. This year, we aim to play the season-ending World Tour Finals and go as deep as possible.”

The journey hasn’t been easy. Satwik battled injuries, personal loss, and illness, while Chirag dealt with a recurring back problem.

“It’s been a tough year, but we’re going slow and steady. I believe we’re on the right track, and soon we’ll be back at our best,” Chirag said.

Published on Sep 02, 2025