India’s bronze medal finish at the 2026 Thomas Cup in Denmark was a historic moment. But for Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, the celebration that followed felt underwhelming. The world No. 4 doubles pair had earlier voiced their disappointment over the lack of recognition badminton receives in India. Now, after storming into the quarter-finals of the Thailand Open Super 500 in Bangkok, Satwik has revisited those remarks.
“I was unhappy because of the reception that we got back in 2022. We deserved a much bigger celebration. Nobody would have expected India to win a Thomas Cup gold,” Rankireddy explained in an interview with PTI.
He admitted his comments stirred up more debate than he had anticipated. “That was the reason behind my comments, but it blew up much more than we expected,” he said.
Still, he sees a silver lining in the discussion that followed. “There were obviously critics, but there were also a lot of positive reactions. I think that is a very positive sign because the conversation at least started. Hopefully, in the years to come, the sport will become even bigger.”
The 25-year-old also pointed out the harsh reality Indian shuttlers face on the global stage. “People are not watching badminton. That is what we felt like. We are wearing India jerseys, but people are more interested in IPL and other things happening around.”
He stressed how demanding team events truly are. “Even a bronze medal is really tough to win because the level in team events is extremely high,” he added.
Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty’s Performance at Thailand Open and What’s Next
On court, Satwiksairaj and Chirag have continued to make progress at the Thailand Open 2026. The top-seeded Indian pair moved into the quarter-finals after winning their first two matches in Bangkok.
The world No. 4 duo also has a strong history at this tournament. They won the Thailand Open title in 2019 and again in 2024.
Their opening match was a tough one. They were pushed hard by Indonesia’s unranked pair Muh Putra Erwiansyah and Bagas Maulana before winning 21-19, 21-23, 21-10 in 64 minutes.
The Indians had to recover after losing a tight second game. But they controlled the decider well and finished the match strongly.
The round of 16 was more comfortable. Satwik and Chirag defeated Malaysia’s Bryan Jeremy Goonting and Muhammad Haikal 21-12, 21-19 in 44 minutes.
They will next face Japan’s sixth-seeded pair Takumi Nomura and Yuichi Shimogami in the quarter-finals. Another win would take them closer to a third Thailand Open title.
Key Moments from Their Thailand Open Campaign
- The pair began their campaign with a tough encounter against Indonesia’s unranked duo, which lasted over an hour.
- Despite losing the second game, they managed to turn the match around in the final set.
- Their performance in the round of 16 was more straightforward, showcasing their dominance in the tournament.
Looking Ahead
With their sights set on another title, Satwik and Chirag are determined to continue their strong form. Their upcoming match against Japan’s sixth-seeded pair will be a crucial test of their skills and resilience.
As they prepare for the quarter-finals, the duo remains focused on their goal of securing a third Thailand Open title. Their journey so far has been marked by perseverance, determination, and a deep love for the sport.
A Growing Conversation Around Badminton in India
Satwik’s comments about the lack of recognition for badminton in India have sparked a broader conversation about the sport’s visibility and support. While there are challenges, the positive reactions to his remarks indicate that there is growing interest in making badminton a more prominent part of India’s sporting landscape.
The future looks promising for Indian badminton, with young talents emerging and established players like Satwik and Chirag leading the way. Their success on the international stage continues to inspire a new generation of athletes.
Conclusion
As Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty continue their journey at the Thailand Open, they remain focused on their goals and the larger mission of elevating badminton in India. Their performances on the court, combined with their willingness to speak out about the challenges they face, highlight the importance of both individual excellence and collective growth.
