‘We Want to Go All Out at the World Championships and Asian Games’: Chirag Shetty Sets Big Goal for India’s Star Badminton Duo

India’s star men’s doubles shuttler Chirag Shetty has made it clear that the BWF World Championships 2026 and the Asian Games 2026 are the biggest priorities for him and his long-time partner Satwiksairaj Rankireddy this season.

Speaking during an upcoming episode of the Quest Talk podcast by iQOO, Chirag said the celebrated Indian pair is determined to deliver their best performances on badminton’s biggest stages.”This year, we have the World Championships and the Asian Games. These are two major events we really want to go all out in,” Chirag said.

Eyes on another historic campaign

The Indian duo heads into the season carrying the confidence of making history at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, where they became the first Indian badminton pair to win a gold medal at the continental event.

Satwik and Chirag defeated South Korea’s Choi Sol-gyu and Kim Won-ho in straight games (21-18, 21-16) to script one of Indian badminton’s greatest achievements.

Now, the pair will be aiming to defend their title when the Asian Games 2026 begin on September 20.

Before that challenge, they will compete at the BWF World Championships, scheduled to be held at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi from August 17 to August 23, 2026.

Thanks to their high world ranking, the Indian pair has received a first-round bye and will begin their campaign directly in either the Round of 64 or Round of 32.

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Enjoy the journey, says Chirag

Apart from discussing his competitive ambitions, Chirag also shared valuable advice for aspiring badminton players.

He stressed that success comes from enjoying the sport rather than chasing results from an early age.”The day you stop enjoying the process is the day you stop playing badminton. Talent alone is never enough. Talent with hard work will take you to the ultimate best,” he said.

According to the Indian star, consistent hard work remains the biggest factor in building a successful sporting career.

Message for parents

Chirag also urged parents to avoid putting unnecessary pressure on young athletes.

He believes parents should focus on encouraging and supporting their children rather than expecting immediate success.”I feel parents these days are more interested in their kids becoming champions than the kids themselves. Parents should guide and support them. If they have the talent, intent and work ethic, they will eventually become champions,” Chirag added.

India’s biggest medal hopes

Over the past few years, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty have established themselves as one of the world’s premier men’s doubles combinations, winning multiple international titles and consistently competing among the top-ranked pairs.

With the World Championships on home soil and the opportunity to defend their historic Asian Games gold medal later this year, expectations will once again be high for India’s badminton stars as they look to add more silverware to their growing legacy.