India’s towering badminton talent, Ayush Shetty, has taken a significant step forward in his career by clinching his maiden senior title at the US Open Super 300 tournament. The 20-year-old’s breakthrough victory marks a new chapter for Indian badminton, with a fresh wave of young talent rising through the ranks.
A Landmark Victory in Iowa
Ayush Shetty defeated Canada’s Brian Yang in the final on Sunday to secure his first major senior tour title. But it was his thrilling semi-final battle against World No. 6 and top seed Chou Tien Chen that truly turned heads. A grueling 39-shot rally during that match highlighted Ayush’s grit, determination, and ever-improving skills.
Despite Chou’s lightning reflexes and vast experience, Ayush held his ground with sharp net play, strong court coverage, and his signature jump smashes. In one jaw-dropping moment, Ayush dived backwards from the front court to return a near-winner – eventually converting the point to turn the momentum in his favor.
A Star in the Making
Shetty, who trains at the prestigious Prakash Padukone Academy in Bengaluru, has been steadily climbing the ranks over the past two years. Currently world No. 31 and the second-highest ranked Indian men’s singles player after Lakshya Sen, he has become a name to watch in 2025.
Speaking after his win, Ayush said:
“It means a lot—it’s my first title on the senior circuit. I played some excellent badminton here, and I’m really looking forward to the Canada Open next week.”
Comparisons to the Greats
Standing tall at 6 feet 4 inches, Ayush’s stature has already drawn comparisons to Danish Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen. But Ayush is forging his own path with a mix of attacking prowess and all-court agility.
Earlier this year, he reached the semi-finals of both the Orleans Masters Super 300 and the Taipei Open, taking down high-caliber opponents like Loh Kean Yew, Rasmus Gemke, and Kidambi Srikanth along the way.
A Journey Rooted in Passion
Born in Mangalore, Ayush began playing badminton at just 8 years old, inspired by watching his father play casually in their backyard. Under the early guidance of local coaches Subhash and Chetan, he developed a strong foundation before his family moved to Bengaluru when he was 12—seeking better opportunities for his budding career.
While pursuing his education, Ayush’s commitment to the sport deepened. He is currently studying for a BSc in Sports Science at Reva University, balancing academics with the demands of elite-level competition.
Making His Mark Early
Ayush’s first major breakthrough came in 2023, when he won bronze at the BWF World Junior Championships in Spokane, USA – becoming only the sixth Indian male singles player to earn a medal at the event.
His aggressive style and relentless energy have been his biggest weapons, but it’s his recent improvement in defense and court control – thanks to focused training at the Padukone Academy – that’s taking his game to the next level.
What’s Next for Ayush Shetty?
With his first senior title now in the bag and a growing list of high-profile victories, Ayush Shetty is firmly on the radar as India’s next big badminton hope. As he heads into the Canada Open and beyond, fans will be eager to see just how far this rising star can go