Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy Ready for BWF World Championships in New Delhi

Chirag Shetty's Enthusiasm for Home Advantage

Chirag Shetty, a prominent figure in Indian badminton doubles, expressed his admiration for the thorough preparations for the upcoming BWF World Championships in New Delhi. He noted that the enhancements in facilities and overall conditions are evident. Competing in front of a home audience is a privilege for him, and he believes that the support from local fans will provide an extra motivation for him and his partner, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, as they aim to excel in the tournament.

A Historic Return to India

This prestigious championship is making its return to India after a 17-year hiatus, with the last event held in Hyderabad in 2009. The 30th edition is scheduled to take place at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium from August 17 to 23. Shetty remarked, "Significant improvements have been made, and it’s quite noticeable. The conditions are much better, and I anticipate a fantastic experience. Competing here is a unique opportunity, and we aim to progress as far as possible in the tournament. The home crowd support is a significant advantage, and we intend to fully embrace this experience."

Satwiksairaj Rankireddy on the Challenge Ahead

Rankireddy shared his thoughts on the importance of playing in front of a home crowd, making this World Championships a particularly significant event for both him and Shetty. He stated, "Playing in front of our home fans is always special. It’s not just about the World Championship; we cherish every opportunity to compete here. In the past, we had limited chances to play in India, primarily during the PBL. This year, we have another opportunity, and while we didn’t progress far in the India Open, this event feels more significant. Returning from injury adds a layer of challenge, but we thrive on challenges and are eager to compete."

India's Strong Representation at the Championships

The World Championships, which occur annually except during Olympic years, are highly regarded for offering the most BWF ranking points alongside the Olympics, making them a sought-after title in badminton. India will feature two entries in each of the five categories: men's and women's singles, men's and women's doubles, and mixed doubles. Key players include P.V. Sindhu, seeded ninth in women's singles, and the men's doubles team of Satwik and Chirag, seeded fifth. Other notable entries are Lakshya Sen and the mixed doubles duo of Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto. The Asian Games champions, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, are looking to build on their recent success at the Singapore Open, where they secured the BWF Super 750 title. Having previously won bronze at the 2022 and 2025 World Championships, they are determined to strive for their first world title on home turf.