Indian badminton duo Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty secured their place in the semifinals of the 2025 BWF World Championships in Paris after a solid win against Malaysia’s Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik. The pair won in straight games, 21-12 and 21-19, in a match that lasted 43 minutes. This finish guarantees India a medal and continues the country’s impressive streak in men’s doubles at the World Championships.
What Made This Match Stand Out
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Satwik and Chirag played confidently from the start, using strong attacking shots and quick movement to control the game.
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They faced tough opposition from the second-seeded Malaysian pair, who had previously knocked them out of the 2024 Olympics quarterfinals.
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Despite some resistance, the Indian duo kept their focus and closed the match quickly without letting the opponents take momentum.
Key moments included several long rallies and effective net play that put pressure on their rivals.
This win sets up a semifinal clash against China’s Chen Bo Yang and Liu Yi, who are seeded 11th.
The Story Behind The Rivalry
This match carried extra meaning because of their recent history:
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Before this match, Satwik and Chirag had a challenging record against these Malaysians, having lost 3 out of 4 previous encounters.
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Their meeting in last year’s Olympics ended India’s run, making this win a chance to even the score.
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The Indian pair showed they had learned from past matches, using smarter strategies and better teamwork to break down their opponents.
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Satwik’s neat crosslifts and Chirag’s powerful smashes kept the Malaysian pair constantly on the defensive.
How The Pair Played
The teamwork between Satwik and Chirag stood out:
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Chirag’s attacking shots from the backcourt were effective, while Satwik worked well near the net.
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They blended offense and defense well, adjusting as needed when the Malaysians tried to challenge them.
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Despite a late push from the Malaysian side in the second game, the Indian duo stayed calm and finished strong.
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Their ability to handle pressure in crucial points made a big difference.
What This Means For Indian Badminton
This victory strengthens India’s position in world badminton, specifically in men’s doubles:
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India has kept a medal streak at the World Championships since 2011 in this category, and Satwik-Chirag are part of that legacy.
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With some top Indian players already out, the spotlight is now on them to carry the country forward.
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The upcoming match against China will be a tough test, but their current form gives them a good chance.
Fans across the country will be following closely, hoping for a shot at the gold medal.
To sum up
Satwik and Chirag’s performance at the 2025 World Championships shows growing confidence and maturity. Beating a strong former rival in straight games was no small feat, and it’s a sign that Indian badminton is competitive at the highest level. As they prepare for the semifinals, their chance to win India’s first men’s doubles title looks promising.
Source: Indian Express, ANI News, ESPN India, India Today, Times of India
