Ayush Shetty said he is not feeling any sense of revenge or pressure against China’s Shi Yu Qi, ahead of the upcoming BWF World Championships, where the Indian is set to play against his rival in the opening round of the men’s singles category.
The World Championships are returning to India for the first time in 17 years and provide a special stage for the 21-year-old player as it is his BWF World Championship debut.
“I think it gives great confidence, having done well at the Asian Championships and the Thomas Cup,” said Ayush in a media interaction. “I would definitely rank the World Championships bigger than those (tournaments), and it is also my debut, but I also think that it is a good challenge for me. So playing Yu Qi would be more special.”
The two players have come face-to-face three times in the past, and the result has remained the same. The last meeting was at the 2026 Asian Championships final, where Yu Qi defeated Ayush in straight sets, bagging the gold.
Ayush sees the BWF World Championships as a new tournament, saying he is not thinking of his previous losses against the Chinese World No. 1.
Changes to training pattern
Recently, Ayush has modified his training pattern, with the 21-year-old saying that he is “better prepared” to take on Yu Qi. He said that his training sessions have gotten longer and tougher.
“I have been trying to be more aggressive on court. I think it helps me get more energy,” he said, nodding to the changes he has made to his body language while playing.
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When he first started playing in the senior circuit, he found it challenging to match the pace of the players, but he has adapted to it and is more confident now.
For Ayush and his coaches, the second round is tomorrow’s problem. Their full focus is on playing the first round against the celebrated Chinese shuttler. If he wins, he will then worry about adapting his playing style for Sri Lanka’s Dumindu Abeywickrama or Peru’s Adriano Viale.
Setting a benchmark for his debut
Ayush started playing badminton as an eight-year-old and after watching his father play and is now one of the biggest rising stars in Indian badminton, waiting for his World Championship debut.
While he can definitely feel the expectations Indian fans have of him, he says he can also feel their support. He is not just buried under pressure but also feels a sense of excitement, especially with a positive outlook towards the opening round draw.
“I’m not focusing on setting a benchmark for the next generation. I will enjoy the game,” he said. “Since it is at home, there is definitely some pressure, but it is also a great opportunity for me to debut at the World Championships in India. I see it as a really special tournament.”
Published on Aug 10, 2026
