NEW DELHI: Indian badminton star Chirag Shetty, one half of the celebrated men’s doubles duo ‘Sat-Chi’ with Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, recently opened up on the pair’s disappointing quarterfinal exit at the Paris Olympics 2024 and their plans for the future.
Despite a strong start in the knockout stage, their Olympic medal aspirations were dashed by a 21-13, 14-21, 16-21 loss.
Chirag, speaking candidly at the ‘Beyond The Finish Line’ event by Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon, expressed his disappointment, attributing the loss to “unlucky points and missed opportunities” in the crucial third game.
However, he remained optimistic about securing a medal at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
“Quite disappointed that we could not come back with a medal. We really wanted to go out there and win a medal for our country. Things did not go our way in the third game. We were leading at one point, but some unlucky points and some missed opportunities here and there meant we lost that game. That is sport. We gave it our all. Maybe next time around we will come with a medal,” said Chirag.
The Olympic loss was met with widespread disappointment from fans and colleagues alike.
“Everyone was as disappointed as we were. Our close friends and family were supportive and said that there is always a second chance, so keep pushing yourself. We are back on the court, hungrier than ever,” the 27-year-old added.
Chirag outlined their comeback strategy, indicating a return to action next month, contingent on Satwiksairaj’s recovery from an injury. He assured fans that his partner is undergoing rehabilitation and preparing for their return.
Reflecting on their partnership with former coach Mathias Boe, who retired after their Olympic exit, Chirag acknowledged his instrumental role in their transformation.
“When we started working with him, we were ranked eighth or ninth in the world. Journey from there to number one spot, winning Asian Games gold, Thomas Cupwas a very fruitful journey. Sad we could not continue our partnership, but things have to end at some point,” he noted.
Under Boe’s guidance, ‘Sat-Chi’ established themselves as a dominant force in men’s doubles badminton. Their accomplishments include multiple BWF titles, becoming the first Indian men’s pair to clinch the top spot in BWF rankings, securing the BWF Super 1000 title at the Indonesia Open, and creating history by winning the first-ever gold medal for India in men’s doubles at the Asian Games.
