Sat-Chi Bask in World Championship Bronze Glory, Humbled to Join Indian Badminton Icons Saina and Sindhu

Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty are cherishing their second BWF World Championship medal. Speaking after their bronze medal finish in the 2025 edition of the tournament, Chirag Shetty stated that he and Satwik were glad to be in the company of legends like Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu, the only other multiple medal winners from India in the tournament.

The win against Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik, which secured them a bronze, was also a revenge on the Malaysian pair, who had decimated them in the Paris Olympics 2024, a competition where Sat-Chi were primed for a top-two finish.

"It feels like redemption," Chirag Shetty told PTI in an interview.

"I think that win against Aaron is definitely very special. More than winning the medal, just knowing for a fact that if we play the right game tactically, we can beat anyone. We've not had a very handsome record against them lately, especially at both the Olympics," Chirag told PTI.

The duo were marred by form concerns and personal losses in the last 12 months. But they put up a sturdy show for the better part of the tournament. In the semi-final against China's Liu Yi and Chen Bo Yang, the duo played out a three-game duel, 19-21, 21-18, 12-21.

"It feels really special knowing that we would be joining Saina and Sindhu as the only other players to have won multiple medals at the World Championships. It makes it even more special because we've not had the best of years, both on and off the court," he said.

"This win surely gives us hope and also the boost that yes, we are on the right track and the hardships we have gone through in the past year or so, it all makes it worthwhile," he said.

It was not a straightforward loss as the match shifted momentum multiple times. The Indians squandered an 11-6 lead to lose the opening game but bounced back to win the second. In the decider, however, they quickly fell behind 1-9, ending their chances.

"I think the momentum did shift in the deciding game. We were trying to be quick at the net and keep it low, but they were serving quite well. We had no option but to be as quick as possible at the net and take it early.

"They mixed it up with flicks as well, so credit to them that they always kept us guessing. Looking back, I think we should have held back a little, received it and then attacked on the second or third shot rather than pressing for the kill from the first stroke.

"They definitely used the flick serve quite effectively. It's one of those things — sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. But they served really well, and once someone is not under pressure, they just play freely," he explained.

The medal extended India's streak of podium finishes at the World Championships since 2011.

"Yeah, I think it definitely keeps our streak of winning medals at the World Championships going. It's a great feat. Coming into the tournament, all of us had tough draws, but coming out with two quarterfinals and one medal is truly special.

"Also, special mention to (HS) Prannoy — he almost beat the world No. 2. Overall, it was a good campaign for India," Chirag said.