Ayush Shetty Fine-Tunes Game Ahead of Badminton Asia Championships

BENGALURU – India’s rising men’s singles star, Ayush Shetty, is focused on adding nuance to his attacking game as he prepares for the Badminton Asia Championships, set to commence April 7th in Wuhan, China. Currently ranked No. 25 in the world, the 20-year-old is looking to build momentum ahead of the prestigious Thomas and Uber Cup team competitions.

Shetty, who trains at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, has secured his place at the continental championship, a significant step in his burgeoning career. Although known for his powerful smashes, the young shuttler recognizes the need to keep opponents guessing. “Even though I’m confident of my smashes, I understand players now can read my shots a little more than before,” Shetty said. “So, I’m trying to bring variation in them, especially from the backside.”

Adapting to Opponent Awareness

The shift in focus comes as a natural progression for Shetty, who has quickly risen through the ranks. His success hasn’t reach without attention, and opponents are increasingly studying his tendencies. Adding deception to his repertoire is now a priority. He’s also incorporating more endurance-focused training sessions to improve his ability to sustain long rallies, a facet of his game he’s actively developing.

This isn’t simply about adding new shots, but refining existing ones. Shetty’s flat game is already a strength, and he’s working with coach Irwansyah to bolster his defensive capabilities and rally control. While the coaching arrangement isn’t permanent, Shetty acknowledges the positive impact it’s already had on his confidence. “It has already helped me gain confidence, especially in defence and in controlling rallies,” he stated.

Inspired by Axelsen, Focused on Improvement

Shetty’s dedication to improvement is evident in his routine. He’s back in the gym the day after a tournament, eschewing extended breaks in favor of continuous refinement. “I don’t really believe in switching off and then trying to switch back on. Staying in that rhythm helps me keep improving,” he explained, demonstrating a calm and composed demeanor that belies his competitive drive.

The influence of two-time Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen is also a driving force. Shetty recently trained with Axelsen in Dubai, and the experience proved invaluable. “I was not good at long rallies, but during the training with Axelsen in Dubai, he actually made me understand how I should use my height and use the long rallies to attack more. And, now I enjoy it,” Shetty shared, revealing a moment of admiration for a player he now views as a mentor. The 6-foot-5 (approximately 1.96 meters) frame of the Indian player is now being utilized more effectively in extended exchanges.

Looking Ahead: Asia Championships and the Thomas Cup

The Badminton Asia Championships present a crucial opportunity for Shetty to test his new strategies against top competition. He’s scheduled to depart for China on Saturday, April 4th. His first challenge will be against China, providing valuable insight into their playing style ahead of the Thomas Cup. “I will be playing against China in the Asia Championship. I will gain to understand more about them, and that will definitely help me for the Thomas Cup,” Shetty said.

The Thomas and Uber Cup, the biennial international badminton championships, are considered the most important team events in the sport. For India, a strong showing at the Asia Championships could serve as a significant momentum builder. The continental championship offers a chance to gauge team strengths and refine strategies before the team battles begin.

Despite his recent success – including a US Open Super 500 title in 2025 and victories over established players like Chou Tien Chen and Loh Kean Yew – Shetty remains grounded. He admits he’s not entirely satisfied with his recent performances, fueling his relentless pursuit of improvement. This self-awareness, combined with his dedication and willingness to learn, positions him as a player to watch on the international stage.

Shetty’s journey is a testament to the power of consistent effort and a willingness to adapt. As he prepares to face the challenges ahead, he carries with him not only the weight of expectation but also the quiet confidence of a player who believes he can get the job done.

The Badminton Asia Championships begin April 7th in Wuhan, China. Fans can follow updates on the Badminton World Federation (BWF) website: https://bwfbadminton.com/