Ayush Shetty ends 3-year medal drought with Badminton Asia semis berth

Rising star Ayush Shetty stunned world no.4 Jonatan Christie of Indonesia to reach the semi-finals of the 2026 Badminton Asia Championships in Ningbo, China, on Friday.

Playing in his debut continental championships, the 20-year-old Shetty came from behind to win the opening game, before scripting a historic straight games 23-21, 21-17 win. 

It also assured Shetty and India of a medal. It will be the country's first medal at the Asian Championships in 3 years, since the title-winning run of the men's doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty in 2023.

Shetty also became the first Indian in 8 years to reach the semi-finals in the men's singles. H.S. Prannoy, in 2018, was the last Indian to achieve this feat.

Shetty is yet to concede a single game in the tournament, claiming all three of his wins in straight games.

He has been on a deadly streak in this tournament, knocking out another seeded player today, following his first-round win over Li Shi Feng of China.

Although Jonatan had a good start to the match, leading the first mid-game interval by 3 points, the young Indian kept himself within reach and levelled the score after the break.

In a topsy-turvy game, Ayush eventually came out on top, winning the first game on extra points after saving two game points and forcing a deuce.

In the second game, the Indian shuttler was much more commanding and kept Christie on bay throughout and won the match despite a late comeback from the latter.

He'll now face world No 1 Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand in the semi-finals on Saturday.