In a performance that will be etched in the annals of Indian sports history, young shuttler Ayush Shetty pulled off a monumental upset by defeating World No. 1 and Paris 2024 silver medalist Kunlavut Vitidsarn on Saturday.
Competing in the men’s singles semi-final at the Ningbo Olympic Sports Centre, the World No. 25 showcased incredible grit to bounce back from a set down, ultimately securing a 10-21, 21-19, 21-17 victory in a grueling 75-minute encounter. This win marks a major redemption for Ayush, who had lost to the Thai superstar in straight games during their previous meeting at the Arctic Open.
Ayush’s path to the final has been nothing short of legendary. Before toppling Vitidsarn, he dismantled World No. 4 Jonatan Christie in the quarter-finals and registered a dominant opening-round win over World No. 7 Li Shi Feng. By reaching the final, Ayush becomes the first Indian men’s singles player to do so since Dinesh Khanna in 1965. Regardless of the final result, he has already guaranteed himself a historic medal, becoming the first Indian male singles player to stand on the Asian podium since HS Prannoy in 2018.
The reigning US Open Super 300 champion is now just one step away from ending India’s 61-year wait for a men’s singles gold at the continental championships. His giant-killing spree in Ningbo has signaled the arrival of a new powerhouse in international badminton. As the final approaches, all eyes will be on the Indian youngster to see if he can complete this fairytale run and cement his legacy alongside the greats of the game.