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Ayush Shetty stunned world champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn to reach the Asian Championships final, becoming India’s first men’s singles finalist since 1965.
PV Sindhu lauded the young Ayush Shetty after reaching the Men’s Singles Final at BAC2026 (X/BAI, BAC Media)
India’s rising shuttle star Ayush Shetty delivered the performance of his young career, storming into the final of the Badminton Asia Championships with a gutsy comeback win on Saturday.
And his efforts garnered high praise from the biggest of names in badminton — including PV Sindhu.
Ranked World No. 25, the 20-year-old from Mangalore overturned a slow start to beat defending champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn 10-21, 21-19, 21-17 in a gripping 75-minute semifinal.
The result guarantees Shetty at least a silver medal and a slice of history — as he becomes the first Indian men’s singles player since Dinesh Khanna to reach the final of this prestigious continental event.
Shetty’s breakthrough also caught the attention of two-time Olympic medallist Sindhu, who didn’t hold back in her praise.
I have consistently maintained that he is a generational talent. In terms of pure natural ability, he stands right up there with the very best young players I have come across. There is a prodigious level of talent in him, and it is something you immediately recognize when you… https://t.co/xqfsSCsZZb— Pvsindhu (@Pvsindhu1) April 11, 2026
“I have consistently maintained that he is a generational talent. In terms of pure natural ability, he stands right up there with the very best young players I have come across,” Sindhu wrote.
She highlighted his “prodigious level of talent,” pointing to his powerful smash, sharp defensive instincts, and ability to absorb pressure in long rallies.
Sindhu, who has trained alongside Shetty in recent weeks, also stressed the importance of fitness and injury management in shaping his long-term trajectory.
“What has been particularly encouraging over these last three weeks is his attitude,” she added.
“He has trained with great seriousness alongside me, Coach Irwan, and the extended team, and the early signs of progress are already beginning to show.”
Shetty now awaits his final opponent: either veteran Chou Tien Chen or China’s Shi Yuqi.
April 11, 2026, 15:51 IST
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