Everyone today talks about Indian badminton’s rising stars. Everyone says international tournaments are tough, the competition is fierce, and the top players dominate. But deep down, they all know—there’s a new name that keeps coming up. And they see it too. The moment when his smash lands on the court, the moment when his opponent looks stunned, the moment when the world realizes—Ayush Shetty has arrived.

Let’s talk about a match that changed everything…
March 2025, Orléans Masters, France. A tournament filled with champions, seasoned players, and experienced warriors. And among them, a young Indian shuttler, Ayush Shetty. The world ranking said he was an underdog, the predictions favored his opponent, and the crowd expected a routine match. But Ayush doesn’t play for the numbers. He plays to win.
The opponent? Loh Kean Yew. A former world champion. A player known for his lightning speed, sharp attacks, and rock-solid defense. The match begins. Loh starts strong, dominating the early exchanges, forcing Ayush into long rallies. The commentators talk about experience, about control, about how Loh knows exactly how to handle young challengers. But Ayush isn’t here just to challenge—he’s here to conquer.

The first game is a battle. Every point is fought like a war. The smashes are precise, the defense is solid, and the intensity is unmatched. 18-18. A crucial moment. Ayush steps in, anticipates the shot, and smashes it straight down the line. The crowd gasps. Loh looks surprised. Another rally, another smash, another point. 21-19. First game—Ayush Shetty.
The second game begins. Loh is now serious. The pace is faster, the shots are sharper, and the rallies are longer. But Ayush stands tall, unshaken. He moves like a shadow, his footwork smooth, his shots calculated. 15-15. The tension builds. A deceptive drop shot—point Ayush. A powerful crosscourt smash—point Ayush. The crowd feels the shift. The win predictor starts leaning toward the Indian shuttler.
And then, the final moment. Match point. Loh lifts the shuttle high. Ayush jumps, time slows, and his racket swings down. The shuttle rockets to the floor. The umpire calls it—game, match, Ayush Shetty! He drops his racket, fists clenched, eyes closed. The job is done. The crowd erupts. Indian badminton has a new hero.
That day, the headlines spoke of an upset. But those who watched knew—it wasn’t an upset. It was the rise of a champion. The world ranking? Just a number. The win predictor? Just a statistic. The belief? Unshakable.
Ayush Shetty doesn’t just play matches. He writes stories. Stories of grit, of resilience, of victories that defy expectations. And this? This is just the beginning.