Ayush Shetty Prepares for His Debut Match Against Shi Yu Qi After Observing the World Championship Draw

As the Badminton World Championships return to India for the first time in 17 years, 21-year-old Ayush Shetty is poised to make his debut on this prestigious stage. Reflecting on his journey, Shetty, who hails from Sanoor near Mangalore, recalls how his parents recognized his potential for badminton when he first picked up a racket at the age of eight. Now, he stands ready to face a formidable challenge in his opening match against Shi Yu Qi, the reigning world champion and top seed.

Shetty, who enters the tournament unseeded, was drawn to compete against Shi Yu Qi, a matchup he watched unfold live. Despite the daunting prospect of facing the world number one, Shetty remained composed. "I told myself that I was ready to face anyone," he stated, emphasizing his mental readiness for the challenge ahead. He acknowledged the difficulty of the match but maintained a calm demeanor, viewing it as just another opportunity to compete.

The two players have met three times previously, with Shi Yu Qi leading their head-to-head record 3-0. Their most recent encounter was in the final of the 2026 Badminton Asia Championships, where Shi triumphed in straight games. This experience has shaped Shetty's approach to their upcoming match, as he reflects on the lessons learned from their past battles.

Shetty is confident that he has evolved as a player since their last meeting. "I've been analyzing my match, and I think we'll be better prepared this time," he remarked. He noted that adapting to the pace of senior-level competition was initially challenging, but he has since improved his ability to keep up with the speed of top-20 opponents. "I think I can push them, play at their pace. I think I'm more confident now," he added.

Describing Shi as a player with exceptional skills and a strong mental game, Shetty recognizes the complexities of their rivalry. Off the court, the two share a friendship, but on the court, Shi's competitive nature presents a significant challenge. "He doesn't give his opponent much space," Shetty noted, highlighting the intensity of their matches.

As he prepares for this landmark event, Shetty is eager to showcase his talent in front of a home crowd. He believes this championship is a pivotal moment for Indian badminton and anticipates a strong turnout from fans. With encouragement from notable figures like PV Sindhu and Viktor Axelsen, Shetty is ready to demonstrate how far he has come since entering the senior circuit. The upcoming match against Shi Yu Qi will not only test his skills but also serve as a benchmark for his growth as an athlete.