Indian badminton duo Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty have advanced to the pre-quarterfinals of the BWF World Championships 2025. The ninth-seeded pair overcame Chinese Taipei's Yang Po Han and Liu Kuang Heng in a hard-fought match, winning 22-20, 21-13.

The match lasted 43 minutes, with the IndianExpress reporting that the pair survived some tense moments in the first game. They saved four game points before Chirag secured the win with a sharp return, ultimately clinching the game 22-20. In the second game, Satwik and Chirag took a definitive lead after the mid-game break, maintaining an aggressive strategy as encouraged by their coach Tan Kim Her. From a score of 16-10, they accelerated, securing their place in the next round.

Looking ahead to the rest of the tournament, Satwik and Chirag have their sights set high. Chirag stated that playing in major events like the World Championships is always an honor. He reflected on their previous campaigns, including the Paris 2024, acknowledging both the good and bad memories, but expressing no regrets. He highlighted the special experience of having so many Indian supporters cheering them on.

Since their bronze medal win in Tokyo in 2022, Satwik and Chirag have achieved significant milestones. These include winning India's first men's doubles gold at the Asian Games in 2023, claiming the Badminton Asia Championships crown, and reaching the world No. 1 ranking, a first for an Indian doubles pair. They were also honored with the Khel Ratna, India's highest sporting award.

Despite their successes, the year has had its challenges. According to Olympics.com, injuries have caused setbacks, but the first half of the year has been a valuable learning period. Earlier in August at the China Open, they reached the semi-finals, marking their fourth top-four finish on the BWF World Tour this year. Satwik's health concerns led to their absence from the Sudirman Cup, and Chirag's back injury forced them to withdraw early from the All England Championships.