India men’s doubles badminton pair Satwik-Chirag had a stellar 2023, reaching a career-high of the 1st rank in BWF rankings. The dynamic duo of Satwik Sairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty have been elected for the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award following their exploits this year. Thus adding them to the elite list of badminton stalwarts PV Sindhu, Saina Nehwal, and Pullela Gopichand.
Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty have undeniably become a dominant force in the world of badminton this season, marked by their remarkable performances and historic achievements. Their dedication and exceptional skills have propelled them to the forefront of the sport, securing them the second rank in the BWF rankings.
Satwik-Chirag won the gold medal in Asian Games 2023
One of their significant accomplishments this season was the acquisition of the gold medal at the Hangzhou Asian Games 2023. In the men’s doubles event, they made history by becoming the first Indians to clinch a gold medal in badminton at the Asian Games. Facing opponents Choi Sol-gyu and Kim Won-ho of South Korea, they emerged victorious in straight games with a scoreline of 21-18, 21-16.
The Hangzhou Asian Games success was complemented by their contribution to the men’s team event, where the Indian team secured a silver medal despite a close 2-3 loss to China in the final. Notably, Satwik and Chirag showcased their skills by securing a significant victory over Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang of China in straight games with a score of 21-15, 21-18.
Satwik-Chirag’s titles at the BWF World Tour
Adding to their list of achievements, the Indian duo secured three titles at the BWF World Tour, showcasing consistent excellence on the badminton court. Their success extended to the Asian Championships, where they demonstrated top-notch performances.
Their journey reached its pinnacle when they reached the final of the China Masters, a Super 750 event. Despite a valiant effort, they suffered a defeat against Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang of China, settling for the runners-up position with a score of 19-21, 21-18, 19-21.
However, the setbacks did not deter Satwik and Chirag. In a historic moment on October 10, 2023, they became the first Indian pair to achieve the prestigious world no.1 ranking in all three doubles categories. This remarkable feat marked a turning point in Indian badminton history, surpassing the achievements of their predecessors in the singles discipline—Prakash Padukone, Saina Nehwal, and Kidambi Srikanth.
Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty’s journey in the badminton world is a testament to their resilience, skill, and historic achievements, leaving an indelible mark on the sport and inspiring aspiring athletes and fans alike.
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