Indian Doubles Stars Set for Asian Games After China Masters Victory

Confidence Boost Ahead of the Asian Games

New Delhi, September 7: Following their remarkable victory at the China Masters, Indian men's doubles badminton players Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty are eager to channel their newfound confidence and fitness into the upcoming 2026 Asian Games, while maintaining realistic expectations as they prepare to defend their title.

The duo made history by becoming the first Indian men's doubles team to clinch the China Masters title, overcoming China's He Ji Ting and Ren Xiang Yu in the final match. This win also marked their second BWF World Tour Super 750 title of the current season, adding to their earlier success at the Singapore Open.

During a virtual press conference organized by the Badminton Association of India (BAI) on Monday, Chirag expressed that their triumph at the China Masters has significantly boosted their morale ahead of the Asian Games, which will take place in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4. This comes after a challenging period of recovery from injuries.

Chirag stated, "Winning the China Masters just before the Asian Games feels fantastic. It certainly gives us a significant confidence boost, especially after a tough few months away from competitive play. It reassures us that our efforts are paying off, and we have gained valuable match experience. We aim to perform our best at the Asian Games, a major event we've always aspired to excel in for our country."

Despite a disappointing World Championships where they exited in the quarterfinals after a long injury hiatus, Satwik noted that the China Masters served as a vital physical test ahead of the rigorous Asian Games schedule.

He remarked, "This tournament was crucial for assessing our physical condition, especially since the Asian Games require nearly ten days of play, including team and individual events. It was a good opportunity to gauge how our bodies are holding up."

The China Masters also allowed the pair to address some weaknesses identified during their World Championships performance. Chirag emphasized that their growth is a continuous journey, focusing on minor improvements across their game rather than drastic changes. He pointed out that enhancing their defensive skills is a priority, as they strive to evolve regardless of their previous achievements.

"It's an ongoing process. Even when we reached world number one and had a successful season, I recognized areas for improvement. The same applies now; there are numerous aspects I want to enhance, particularly in defense," he added.

With their sights set on the Asian Games, Satwik and Chirag are determined to defend the gold medal they secured in Hangzhou in 2022. The experience gained from the China Masters will be crucial as they aim to excel once more on the continental stage.