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Satwik Calls for Mental Fortitude After Shock Asian Games Exit
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News18•25-09-2026, 16:00
Satwik Calls for Mental Fortitude After Shock Asian Games Exit
- •Indian men's doubles badminton ace Satwiksairaj Rankireddy emphasized the need to work on the mental aspect after he and partner Chirag Shetty suffered a shock opening-round exit at the Asian Games.
- •The World No. 5 pair was eliminated by Thailand's Pakkapon Teeraratsakul and Peeratchai Sukphun with a score of 12-21, 21-19, 21-14 in a one-hour-eight-minute match.
- •Satwik noted that they played well in the first game but struggled mentally, stating, "Whenever we are mentally free, I think no one can beat us. But when we are stuck anywhere, we give opponents a chance to beat us."
- •He dismissed pressure from being defending champions, viewing the experience as positive and an opportunity to "figure it out" for bigger stages.
- •Chirag Shetty admitted they were not at their best, especially in the second and third games, and could have played smarter against their opponents.
Key Questions Answered
The fifth-ranked Indian men's doubles pair suffered a shock opening round exit at the Asian Games, losing 12-21 21-19 21-14 to Thailand's Pakkapon Teeraratsakul and Peeratchai Sukphun in a one-hour-eight-minute match.
Satwiksairaj Rankireddy emphasized that they need to work heavily on the mental aspect of their game, noting that they gave opponents a chance to win whenever they felt stuck mentally.
Chirag Shetty admitted that they were not up to the mark after starting off well, noting that they failed to play the right game in the second and third sets and could have played a bit smarter.
