Ayush Shetty has long aspired to compete in the BWF World Championships. This dream is set to come true for the 21-year-old talent as India prepares to host badminton’s premier event for the first time in 17 years.
Event Context
The Karnataka shutter understands the significance of this momentous occasion. Ayush, one of four Indians making their World Championships debut, expressed to PTI, “Making my debut at the World Championships while India hosts the event after 17 years is incredibly special.”
However, Ayush faces a challenging start in the tournament scheduled from August 17-23, as he will compete against defending champion and current world No. 1 Shi Yu Qi from China in the opening round of men’s singles.
While major attention will be on seasoned athletes like two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu, Lakshya Sen, and the men’s doubles team of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, this tournament also serves as a platform for the young newcomers to make a name for themselves in the sport.
Among the debutants, Ayush stands out with impressive recent achievements. He secured a bronze medal at the 2023 BWF World Junior Championships before making his mark on the senior circuit, where he won the US Open Super 300 title in 2025.
This year, he made history by being the first Indian men’s singles player to reach the final of the Badminton Asia Championships since Dinesh Khanna in 1965. Throughout the tournament, he defeated notable opponents, including former world champion Li Shi Feng, former Asian champion Jonatan Christie, and Paris Olympics silver medallist Kunlavut Vitidsarn, ultimately finishing with a silver medal.
“Growing up, the World Championships was one of the tournaments I eagerly anticipated. Like every aspiring badminton player, I dreamt of competing on that stage…” he shared.
Another debutant, Unnati, is set to face Myanmar’s Thet Htar Thuzar in her initial match. “This is one of the biggest moments in my career. Qualification for the World Championships has been a long-term goal, and doing it in India makes it even more special,” remarked Unnati, who recently clinched victory at the Polish Open. “The support from family, friends, and Indian fans will undoubtedly make this experience unforgettable.”
In women’s doubles, Simran and Kavipriya have fostered a promising partnership. Simran honed her skills under Uday Pawar at the Goregaon Sports Club in Mumbai, an academy known for producing World Championships medallist Chirag Shetty, while Kavipriya emerged from Tamil Nadu’s vibrant domestic badminton circuit.
Player Focus
Joining the lineup is Unnati Hooda, a promising contender in women’s singles, alongside the women’s doubles duo of Simran Singhi and Kavipriya Selvam. All three athletes have secured their spots through exceptional performances on the international stage.
“I’ve put in a lot of hard work to be here and intend to seize this opportunity. Facing some of the world’s elite players is the pinnacle of competition, and I am eager to test my skills, embrace the experience, and give my all on the court. Having local support will undoubtedly enhance this unforgettable experience,” he expressed.
At just 17 years old, Hooda has already made her mark as one of India’s most promising young stars. She made history as the youngest Indian to win a BWF World Tour title when she claimed the Odisha Open Super 100 title in 2022 at only 14.
The Haryana native’s continued ascent was highlighted by a notable win over former world champion PV Sindhu at the 2025 China Open Super 1000.
“As a young athlete, I’m excited about the challenge of competing against some of the best in the world. Events like this provide a unique opportunity for self-discovery and growth in my game, and I am determined to make the most of each moment,” she stated.
Team Analysis
The team is set to kick off their campaign against Spain’s Nikol Carulla and Carmen Maria Jimenez. This duo has consistently improved their performance, reaching a career-high ranking of 38 in the world and regularly competing on the BWF World Tour.
