Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, India’s badminton sensation, are brimming with anticipation as they gear up for the Olympics. The duo, who have etched their names in the annals of Indian badminton history with numerous accolades, including becoming the first Indians to clinch gold at the Asian Games, are determined to replicate their success on the grandest sporting stage.
“The Olympics is a dream come true,” says Satwiksairaj. “Representing India is an immense honor, and we feel the weight of a billion hopes on our shoulders. Our focus is on giving our best and making the nation proud.”
Chirag echoes his partner’s sentiment, adding, “The Olympic stage is where legends are made. We’ve worked tirelessly to reach this point, and we’re excited to test ourselves against the world’s best. We are not just aiming for a medal; we want to inspire the next generation of athletes to believe in their dreams.”
The pair’s journey to the Olympics has been marked by unwavering dedication and a strong partnership. Their exceptional on-court chemistry and relentless pursuit of excellence have propelled them to the top of the badminton world. As they embark on this new chapter, their determination to bring home an Olympic medal for India is palpable.
Event Schedule Table
| Date | Event | Name of Players | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27th July, Saturday | Badminton – Men’s Doubles Group Stage | Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, Chirag Shetty | 12:00 PM onwards |
Comparison Table: Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty
| Attribute | Satwiksairaj Rankireddy | Chirag Shetty |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Satwiksairaj Rankireddy | Chirag Chandrashekhar Shetty |
| Date of Birth | 13 August 2000 | 4 July 1997 |
| Age | 23 | 27 |
| Birthplace | Amalapuram, East Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh, India | Mumbai, India |
| Height | 1.84 m (6 ft 0 in) | 1.87 m (6 ft 2 in) |
| Weight | 77 kg (170 lb) | 75 kg (165 lb) |
| Handedness | Right handed | Right handed |
| Coach | Mathias Boe | Mathias Boe |
| Years Active | 2015 – present | N/A |
| Career Record (Men’s & Mixed Doubles) | 322 wins, 162 losses | N/A |
| Highest Ranking (Men’s Doubles) | 1 (with Chirag Shetty, 10 October 2023) | 1 (with Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, 10 October 2023) |
| Current Ranking (Men’s Doubles) | 3 (with Chirag Shetty, 11 June 2024) | 3 (with Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, 11 June 2024) |
| Highest Ranking (Mixed Doubles) | 19 (with Ashwini Ponnappa, 2 February 2021) | 413 (27 August 2015) |
| Notable Achievements | – World No. 1 in BWF World Ranking (with Chirag Shetty) – BWF World Tour 1000 series winner – Gold medal at the Asian Games (with Chirag Shetty) – Guinness World Record for the fastest smash (565 km/h) – Arjuna Award (August 2020) – Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna (December 2023) | – World No. 1 in BWF World Ranking (with Satwiksairaj Rankireddy) – BWF World Tour 1000 series winner – Gold medal at the Asian Games (with Satwiksairaj Rankireddy) |
| Training Academy | Pullela Gopichand Academy, Hyderabad | Uday Pawar Badminton Academy, Goregaon Sports Club; later Gopichand Badminton Academy, Hyderabad |
| Early Influences | Father (state-level player) and elder brother | N/A |
| Initial Partner | N/A | Arjun M. R. |
| Current Partner | Chirag Shetty | Satwiksairaj Rankireddy |
Key Highlights:
- Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty are notable for being the only Indian doubles pair to achieve the World No. 1 ranking in BWF World Ranking and win the BWF World Tour 1000 series.
- They made history by becoming the first Indians to win a gold medal at the Asian Games in badminton.
- Satwiksairaj Rankireddy holds the Guinness World Record for the fastest smash in badminton at a speed of 565 km/h.
- Both players are coached by Mathias Boe and have achieved significant success together, including numerous wins and high rankings.
- Satwiksairaj was influenced by his father and elder brother to take up badminton and trained at the Pullela Gopichand Academy.
- Chirag Shetty began his training at Uday Pawar Badminton Academy before moving to the Gopichand Badminton Academy, where he was paired with Satwiksairaj Rankireddy.
Also read- Paris 2024 Olympics: All the Action Featuring India – Schedule & IST Timings