Ayush Shetty begins to believe he can match world’s best after Asia silver

India’s young shuttler Ayush Shetty has said he is beginning to truly believe he can compete with the world’s best , following a breakthrough performance at the Badminton Asia Championships 2026, where he clinched a silver medal in Ningbo.

The 20-year-old, who defeated several top-ranked opponents en route to the final, lost the title clash to China’s Shi Yuqi but described the defeat as a crucial learning experience, particularly in handling pressure and extended rallies.

Shetty said a key takeaway from the final was his inability to convert attacking situations. “Shi Yuqi kept perfect length and did not allow me to dominate at the net,” he noted, adding that he needs to develop greater patience and stronger transition from attack to defence , especially in long rallies.

Reflecting on his semi-final win over Thailand’s Kunlavut Vitidsarn, Shetty said he was more composed and prepared for extended exchanges. However, against Shi Yuqi, he admitted he became slightly impatient after losing control of key points, which allowed the momentum to shift.

A major shift, he said, has come in his mindset and self-belief . Earlier, he aspired to be among the best, but now he feels that level is genuinely attainable with sustained effort. “I always wanted to be one of the best, but now I believe it more strongly,” he said.

Shetty credited recent improvements to working with a sports psychologist , which helped him maintain confidence despite early exits in previous tournaments, including the Swiss Open, where he had struggled with frustration on court. He said mental conditioning played a vital role in maintaining composure during the Asia Championships run.

He has also begun training under Indonesian coach Irwansyah Adi Pratama, describing sessions as longer and more intense, with increased court time and structured development work. Shetty has also been sparring with Olympic medallist PV Sindhu, which he said has further strengthened his training environment.

On physical development, Shetty acknowledged the need to become stronger and more durable to sustain elite-level performances. He also pointed out the challenges of his height, noting advantages in generating steep angles but difficulties in maintaining a low defensive posture.

The youngster also drew inspiration from training interactions with Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen, praising his defensive strength and athletic control despite his height.

Shetty revealed his early inspiration was Malaysia’s Lee Chong Wei, while his favourite Indian player remains Kidambi Srikanth.

Among his career highlights, he cited his semi-final win over Chinese Taipei’s Chou Tien-chen at the US Open 2025 and a victory over Japan’s Kodai Naraoka at the Australian Open.

Looking ahead, Shetty said the focus is firmly on the BWF World Championships and Asian Games , as he aims to convert promise into consistent elite-level results. “I was more aggressive this week and showed my intent,” he said, adding that controlled aggression will remain key to his growth.