Ayush Shetty grabs silver in his maiden Badminton Asia Championships appearance

Ayush Shetty (L) wins silver in his maiden Badminton Asia Championships appearance. 

Khel Today Bureau

China: Ayush Shetty’s debut run came to an end with a Silver medal at the Badminton Asia Championships as he went down in a tough battle against World No. 2 Shi Yu Qi of China 21-8, 21-10 in men’s singles final on Sunday.

The twenty-year-old created history becoming the first Indian to win silver at the event and the first men’s singles finalist in 61 years.

Shetty couldn’t carry forward his momentum from previous rounds as the experienced Chinese proved too hard for the India youngster. Taking the lead early in Game 1, Shi allowed little space for Ayush to fight back.

Ayush Shetty in action during the finals of the Badminton Asia Championships 2026.

Ayush who managed to begin the second game stronger with a 5 point lead at 7-2, couldn’t hold the strong start as the Chinese took control once again equalising the score at 7 all, eventually sealing the victory.

The tournament proved the youngster’s potential and the bright future of Indian badminton as he posed serious threats to the world’s top players defeating WR 1, 3 & 7 along the way.