Indian badminton enthusiasts have reason to celebrate as the dynamic duo of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty have secured a medal at the 2025 BWF World Championships in Paris. This achievement marks a significant milestone for Indian badminton, guaranteeing India a spot on the podium.
The pair achieved this feat by defeating the world No. 2 team from Malaysia, Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik, in a thrilling quarterfinal match. The Indian duo displayed composure and skill, winning in straight games with a score of 21-12, 21-19. This victory is particularly sweet, as Chia and Soh had previously defeated Satwik and Chirag in the bronze medal match at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The Indians exorcised their demons from last year's Paris Olympics and didn't leave it late this time against Chia-Soh. At one point the Malaysians came very close to pushing it to the decider making it 19-19 but the Indians prevailed. A straight game win ensured a second World Championships medal for themselves.
Satwik and Chirag, who are currently ranked No. 9 in the world, have been a consistent force in men's doubles badminton. They have been steadily climbing the ranks, with a recent boost to their position after reaching the semi-finals at the China Open. The pair had been missing from the court on account of multiple injuries, which forced them to skip the Asian Championships and Sudirman Cup earlier this year. The ace duo had slipped out of the top 10 for the first time since November 2021 on 9 March 2025, falling to 12th. But they've made a decent comeback, with a semifinal finish at the Singapore Open, and another one at the India Open earlier this year. With three semifinal finishes this season, Satwik and Chirag are now preparing for the upcoming BWF World Championships, aiming to peak at the right time.
Their journey to the medal round included a remarkable comeback against Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang of China. After losing the first set by 19-21, Satwik and Chirag completed a fantastic comeback and won the next two sets 21-15 and 21-17 respectively. At one stage, Satwik and Chirag were trailing 15-17 in the deciding set, but managed to clinch six straight points to secure the victory. This win was particularly significant as it marked only their third victory in nine meetings against the Chinese duo. It was the third successive time that these familiar foes played out a three-game match on the tour. Liang and Wang had won their last three encounters, but Satwik and Chirag meant business, not willing to surrender to their familiar foes for the fourth successive time.
This medal at the World Championships is a testament to Satwik and Chirag's resilience and determination. The duo has been working hard to overcome recent injury setbacks and regain their peak form. Their performance in Paris is a sign that they are back on track and ready to compete at the highest level.
Satwik and Chirag have already achieved numerous milestones in their careers. They won India's first men's doubles gold at the Asian Games in 2023, claimed the Badminton Asia Championships crown, and became the first Indian doubles pair to reach the world No. 1 ranking. They were also honored with the Khel Ratna, India's highest sporting award.
With this medal assured, Satwik and Chirag are now focused on going even further in the tournament. The nation will be watching with anticipation as they continue their quest for gold at the 2025 BWF World Championships. This victory ensures India back on the medals podium after that miss in 2024. Every single year since 2011, it was a run started by Jwala-Ashwini in doubles, India's best showing last two years on circuit has been in doubles, and doubles needs a gold.
