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Defending Champions Satwiksairaj Rankireddy-Chirag Shetty Suffer Shock Asian Games Exit
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Moneycontrol•25-09-2026, 16:07
Defending Champions Satwiksairaj Rankireddy-Chirag Shetty Suffer Shock Asian Games Exit
- •Defending men's doubles champions Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty were eliminated in the first round of the Asian Games badminton competition.
- •The Indian pair, former world No.1 and two-time world championship bronze medallists, lost to Thailand’s Pakkapon Teeraratsakul and Peeratchai Sukphun 12-21, 21-19, 21-14.
- •Satwiksairaj Rankireddy attributed the loss partly to mental aspects, stating that they give opponents a chance when not mentally free.
- •Chirag Shetty admitted they were not up to the mark in the second and third games and could have played smarter.
- •Satwiksairaj Rankireddy credited their opponents for their consistent pressure and ability to capitalize on crucial moments.
Key Questions Answered
Defending champions Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty were stunned in the opening round of the Asian Games badminton competition by Thailand's Pakkapon Teeraratsakul and Peeratchai Sukphun with a scoreline of 12-21, 21-19, 21-14.
Satwiksairaj Rankireddy admitted that they need to work on the mental aspect of their game, noting that when they are mentally free no one can beat them, but losing focus gives opponents a chance.
While Satwik and Chirag exited early, the Indian mixed doubles pair of Tanisha Crasto and Dhruv Kapila advanced to the quarterfinals following back-to-back victories.
