Ayush Shetty Advances to Finals, Echoes Historic Badminton Journey

New Delhi, April 11, 2023 - Ayush Shetty is on the brink of making history by potentially bringing home India's first men's singles title from the Badminton Asia Championships since 1965. As he reached the finals of the prestigious tournament in Ningbo, China, echoes of the past surfaced, particularly for former champion Dinesh Khanna, who achieved this remarkable feat nearly 61 years ago.

Dinesh Khanna's own championship victory in 1965 remains a significant moment in Indian badminton history. Competing as an unseeded player, Khanna was able to defy expectations and clinch the title against the odds. Reflecting on Shetty's current run, Khanna noted parallels between their journeys. "I must say that there seems to be quite a bit of similarity. In the sense, I was unseeded and I went all the way. So in case of Shetty also, his ranking is fairly low as far as international ranking is concerned," he told PTI.

After the disappointment of Lakshya Sen, another prominent Indian player who was expected to shine but lost early, many had doubts over India’s chances in the tournament. Ayush Shetty has carried the weight of these expectations into the finals, similarly stepping into the spotlight as Khanna did decades ago. Khanna reminisced about his own path to the final, having entered the tournament as India's fourth-ranked player despite being overshadowed by established players.

Khanna's preparation for the 1965 championship was notably challenging; he was recovering from a knee surgery and training limitations. Yet his endurance and strategic gameplay allowed him to progress through the rounds, culminating in a tense semifinal against Suresh Goel, whom he outplayed to secure his spot in the final. He ultimately faced Sangob Rattanusorn of Thailand, whose experience posed significant challenges, mirroring the situation Shetty faced against the defending champion, Kunlavut Vitidsarn.

Understanding the pressures that come with the finals, Khanna shared insights into how he coped in intense match situations, highlighting the necessity for resilience. He recalled facing off against Yoshinori Itagaki in a grueling quarterfinal that required extraordinary effort and stamina. Khanna reflected, "He was also a defensive player like me. We had long rallies. The chief referee had to prepare stretchers for us due to the match's intensity."

Khanna's experience emphasises the mental fortitude necessary to succeed at such a high level, a trait he observed in Shetty’s performance. “Ayush lost the first game quite decisively, but he made a remarkable comeback in the second game. He kept his nerve at that moment, which was crucial,” he praised, also commending the guidance Shetty received from his coaches.

The stakes for Shetty are particularly high, as India has not celebrated a singles champion in the Badminton Asia Championships in over six decades. As Khanna watched him progress, he noted the importance of handling pressure when the stakes are elevated.

Furthermore, the competitive landscape that Khanna faced in his era has evolved, as international players now possess extensive experience and skills. Yet, Khanna sees potential in Shetty, especially in his attacking style of play. “His net play was exceptional, and he handled the game well,” Khanna remarked.

Khanna's journey in 1965 concluded with quiet disbelief rather than exuberant celebration. Now, he finds himself hoping that Ayush Shetty can replicate his success and etch his name into the annals of Indian badminton history. As the final match approaches, Khanna feels the weight of history resting on Shetty's shoulders, acknowledging both the challenges and the echoes of their shared experience in striving for badminton greatness.