A New Hope in Indian Badminton: Ayush Shetty's Ascendancy
In the vibrant world of Indian sports, a 20-year-old prodigy named Ayush Shetty is making waves. Already a part of the elite men's singles circuit, Shetty's aggressive style and powerful smashes have captured the attention of many, including the world's best players.
Navigating the Spotlight
For all his success on the court, Shetty's journey off the court is equally significant. Dealing with the attention that follows his performances is a new experience for him, but one he is embracing with a sense of maturity. "This is my first time handling it, so I think it's something new. But it's a good experience for me," he shared with The Bridge.
Competing with the Best
Last week at the Malaysian Open, Shetty knocked out Paris Olympics bronze medalist Lee Zii Jia and took a game off world No. 1 Shi Yu Qi, demonstrating his ability to compete at the highest level. "Playing world No. 1 is obviously a big challenge. But I have always told myself that you can beat anyone. That's the mindset I have," Shetty asserted.
The Transition to Senior Circuit
Shetty's transition from the junior to the senior circuit has been challenging but impressive. In 2023, he won the bronze medal in boys singles at the World Junior Championships, and since then, he has consistently performed well in various tournaments. Last year, he reached the semi-finals of the Orleans Masters Super 300 and the Taipei Open, and won the US Open Super 300.
Comparisons with Viktor Axelsen
With his tall frame and attacking style, Shetty often draws comparisons to two-time Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen. They have even trained together. "We have a pretty similar game. We both like to attack. It's really good to be called the next (Viktor) Axelsen of India," Shetty said. However, he is quick to emphasize that he wants to carve his own path.
Looking Ahead
On Tuesday, Shetty will face Lakshya Sen in an all-India first-round clash at the India Open Super 750. Although Shetty has lost both head-to-head meetings against Sen, he is optimistic about their upcoming encounter. "The goal is to rise up in the rankings. The target is top 10 in my mind," he concluded.
The rise of Ayush Shetty is a testament to the depth of talent in Indian badminton. His journey mirrors the growth of the sport in the region, where young athletes are pushing boundaries and making their mark on the global stage. As Shetty continues to climb the rankings, we can expect to see more exciting moments from this promising player.