Ayush Shetty Stands Tall as India's Next Badminton Star
Ayush Shetty cuts an imposing figure on the badminton court. At 6 feet 5 inches tall, he naturally draws attention. His height gives him a unique advantage, allowing him to stretch rallies and unleash powerful attacks from the backcourt. The shuttle seems to descend from a different altitude when he strikes it.
Steady Rise to Prominence
Over the past two years, Ayush has quietly established himself as India's next big hope in men's singles badminton. He combines youthful aggression with an undeniable physical presence. Now 20 years old, he stands at the cusp of the elite level. Ayush recently broke into the world's top 30 rankings and claimed his first BWF World Tour title at the 2025 US Open Super 300 tournament.
Last week, he delivered a stunning performance at the Malaysia Open Super 1000. Ayush defeated Malaysia's Lee Zii Jia, the Paris Olympics bronze medalist. This victory wasn't just another win. It served as a clear marker of his growing capabilities. Indian men's singles badminton, long anchored by players like Kidambi Srikanth, HS Prannoy, and Lakshya Sen, now has another towering presence knocking at the door.
Learning from the Best
Ayush's journey has been marked by steady progress. The first major sign of his potential came in 2023 when he clinched bronze at the World Junior Championships. On the senior circuit, he finished as runner-up at the 2023 Odisha Masters Super 100 tournament.
The following year provided a transformative experience. Ayush had the opportunity to train with two-time Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen. This training offered more than just high-quality practice rallies.
"Training with Viktor was special," Ayush told reporters on Monday. "You get to learn a lot from him. He gave me some inputs which have been really helpful. I got to observe, firsthand, how he manages himself on and off the court. The intensity in his training, the discipline."
Embracing Comparisons While Forging His Own Path
Inevitably, comparisons between the two tall, aggressive players followed. Both possess the ability to turn rallies with brute force.
"I think we have a pretty similar game. We both like to attack," Ayush acknowledged. "It's really good to know that I am called the 'Axelsen of India,' but I think I would like to chart my own path. Viktor is someone I've looked up to. He is my idol. He is a complete player who has achieved everything. So, I think there's no comparison."
Turning Height into an Advantage
Height, as Axelsen himself discovered, presents both gifts and challenges. Ayush is acutely aware of this duality. He discussed the pros and cons of being tall with the Danish champion.
"Growing up, he was not really good at his defence," Ayush said of his conversations with Axelsen. "That is something I am facing right now, but I am working on that aspect of my game. For tall players, the test is often closer to the net. The front court movement is really tough. You really have to be strong in your physicality and have strong legs."
Setting Ambitious Goals
Ayush has firmly set his sights on the elite bracket of world badminton. Victories over top-tier players have significantly bolstered his confidence. He is no longer content with merely participating in tournaments.
"The goal is to rise up in the rankings," he stated clearly. "My target is to be in the top 10 by the year end."
This ambitious mindset will face another immediate test. Ayush opens his India Open campaign against compatriot Lakshya Sen. Their recent meetings have been closely contested, though the results have favored Lakshya so far.
"I think we had some great matches last year," Ayush remarked about facing Sen. "Hope we can have another great match, but I am on the winning side this time."
With his unique physical attributes, dedicated training, and clear ambitions, Ayush Shetty represents a new wave of Indian badminton talent ready to challenge the world's best.
