Shuttling to Glory: Satwik & Chirag Clinch Khel Ratna, Badminton’s Finest on Top!

Badminton sensations Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty were awarded the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award 2023 by Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya at the Sports Authority of India complex in New Delhi on May 1, 2025. The function completed their long-pending felicitation, which was deferred last year due to their playing commitments and the sudden demise of Satwik's father.

 

The duo have been pathbreakers for Indian badminton, having won gold medals at the 2022 Asian and Commonwealth Games and the 2023 Asian Championships. Satwik and Chirag are the first Indian men's doubles pair to achieve the No. 1 ranking in BWF World Rankings and the No. 1 seeding at the BWF World Tour Super 1000 tournament. Satwik also holds a Guinness World Record for the fastest badminton smash at 565 km/h.

 

Chirag credited their achievement to government support through schemes like Khelo India and TOPS, highlighting the importance of steady support for Indian athletes.

 

Sources: Daily Pioneer, Times of India, The Tribune