Indian badminton rising star Ayush Shetty is on the verge of achieving a historic achievement when he takes on China’s Shi Yuqi in the men’s singles final of the Asian Championships on Sunday.The 20-year-old has become a budding star in the tournament, racking up impressive results against the best players in the world. Now, just one win away from him would clinch a landmark title that would mark a defining moment in his young career and a major milestone for Indian badminton.
Semi-final heroics: Shetty beats world no.
Shetty put in a stellar performance in the semi-finals, defeating reigning world No. 1 Kunlavut Vittisane in a gripping three-game set. After a one-sided game in the first game, the Indians showed resilience and mature tactics in counterattack, turning the game around with aggressive shooting and improved control in the attack.
Shi Yuqi reaches the final
In comparison, Shi Yuqi’s process of reaching the finals was much simpler. The Chinese star showed dominance in the semi-finals, winning three consecutive games to gain authority. His control of the faceoff, sharp attack at the net and ability to dictate the tempo ensured that he rarely allowed his opponents to gain a foothold in the game.On Saturday, 20-year-old Ayush defeated Kunwarut 10-21, 21-19, 21-17 in the semi-finals of the Asian Badminton Championships, while world number two Shi defeated Chinese Taipei’s Chou Tien-chen 21-9, 21-13.
Where and when to watch live
- Date: Sunday, April 12, 2026
- Time: 1:00 PM (US Standard Time)
live streaming : Available to watch on Badminton Asia’s official Facebook and YouTube channels- Telecast: No live coverage in India
China’s Shi Yuqi led India’s Ayush Shetty 2-0. The two badminton players are scheduled to meet for the third time today. While Shi Yuqi had won both of their previous meetings, their last meeting at the Malaysian Open in January was a tight three-game slugfest that suggested Shetty was closing the gap.
