Indian men's doubles badminton pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty have advanced to the quarterfinals of the Malaysia Open 2025

A significant milestone in their journey following the disappointment at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Their recent performances reflect resilience and a renewed focus on achieving their goals in the international badminton circuit.

Road to the Quarterfinals

At the Malaysia Open 2025, a BWF Super 1000 tournament held in Kuala Lumpur, Satwik and Chirag showcased exceptional skill and coordination. In the round of 16, they faced the Malaysian duo of Nur Mohd Azriyn Ayub and Tan Wee Kiong, securing a straight-game victory with scores of 21-15, 21-15. This win, achieved in 43 minutes, propelled them into the quarterfinals, where they are set to compete against local favorites Yew Sin Ong and Ee Yi Teo.

Reflecting on Olympic Setback

The pair's journey has been marked by both triumphs and challenges. At the Paris 2024 Olympics, they entered the men's doubles event with high expectations but faced a formidable challenge in the quarterfinals against Malaysia's Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik. Despite a valiant effort, Satwik and Chirag were unable to secure a victory, resulting in their exit from the tournament.

This Olympic setback was a moment of introspection for the duo. Chirag Shetty emphasized the need for increased corporate support for badminton in India, highlighting that while the sport has gained popularity, it still requires substantial investment to reach the level of cricket. He noted that such support is crucial for the development of infrastructure, event sponsorship, and training facilities, which are essential for athletes to compete at the highest levels.