Badminton Asia Championship

By Aaron Slegers , 13 April 2026

Indian badminton prospect Ayush Shetty’s breakthrough campaign at the Badminton Asia Championships concluded with a runner-up finish after a straight-games defeat to China’s Shi Yu Qi in the final. The young Indian, who had impressed throughout the tournament with disciplined shot-making and composure under pressure, was outclassed by the reigning world No. 1, who dictated the pace from the opening rally. Shi secured a commanding 21-8, 21-10 victory, showcasing superior control and experience in high-stakes moments.

By Victor Martinelli , 9 April 2026

India’s top men’s doubles pair, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, have officially withdrawn from the upcoming Badminton Asia Championship, as confirmed by their coach Tan Kim Her. The decision marks a significant reshaping of the tournament’s competitive landscape, given the duo’s status as India’s leading men’s doubles team and consistent international performers. While no specific reasons were disclosed, analysts suggest the move may be strategic, focused on injury prevention, scheduling optimization, and peak performance management for upcoming major global events.