Indian badminton witnessed the rise of a new star as Ayush Shetty pulled off a sensational victory over World No. 1 Kunlavut Vitidsarn to enter the final of the Badminton Asia Championships 2026.
Playing in Ningbo, Shetty faced an uphill battle after losing the first game convincingly. The Thai shuttler, known for his speed and control, dominated early exchanges, pushing the young Indian onto the back foot. But Shetty refused to back down.
Displaying remarkable composure, he slowly built momentum in the second game, matching Vitidsarn shot for shot. The game turned into a nail-biting contest, with Shetty holding his nerve at crucial points to clinch it 21-19. With confidence on his side, he entered the decider with renewed aggression and tactical clarity.
The final game saw Shetty take control, dictating rallies and forcing errors from the World No. 1. He sealed the match 21-17, completing one of the biggest upsets in recent badminton history. The victory not only highlights his immense talent but also signals a shift in the landscape of Indian men’s singles badminton.
This historic achievement places Shetty alongside legends like Dinesh Khanna, marking India’s return to the men’s singles final at the Asian Championships after decades. His performance has drawn praise from across the sporting world, with experts calling it a breakthrough moment.
Having already secured a medal, Shetty now stands on the brink of glory as he prepares for the final clash. His fearless run, including wins over top global players, has made him the biggest talking point of the tournament and a symbol of India’s emerging dominance in badminton.