PV Sindhu Celebrates Ayush Shetty’s Badminton Triumph as a Sign of Generational Talent
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Ningbo, April 11 (NationPress) Two-time Olympic champion PV Sindhu has lauded the emerging Indian badminton player Ayush Shetty, referring to him as a generational talent after he made an impressive entry into the final of the Badminton Asia Championships. He achieved this feat by defeating World No. 1 Kunlavut Vitidsarn in a thrilling match.
Ayush showcased remarkable determination by overcoming an initial setback to claim victory with scores of 10-21, 21-19, 21-17 in a men’s singles semifinal that spanned one hour and 15 minutes at the Ningbo Olympic Sports Centre.
“I have always asserted that he is a generational talent. His natural abilities place him among the finest young players I have witnessed. His immense talent is immediately evident when he competes,” Sindhu expressed in a post on X.
Ranked 25th globally, Ayush demonstrated exceptional fortitude after losing the first game, turning the tide with aggressive shot-making and superior net control to outplay the top seed.
Reflecting on their training sessions, Sindhu shared, “He has been training with my group for the past three weeks alongside coach Irwan, and this time has solidified my faith in his capabilities. He possesses a strong physical presence on the court, and his height grants him excellent reach. His heavy smash can significantly pressure opponents. Additionally, his defensive skills are noteworthy; he maintains a low stance, reads the shuttle effectively, and handles pressure in rallies with ease.”
Ayush's journey in Ningbo has been astonishing. He previously triumphed over World No. 4 Jonatan Christie with scores of 23-21, 21-17 in the quarterfinals, marking his inaugural win against the Indonesian star. Prior to that, he had straight-game victories against World No. 7 Li Shi Feng and Chin Yu Jen from Chinese Taipei.
While celebrating his swift ascent, Sindhu emphasized the importance of ongoing development. “Like any young athlete with vast potential, certain factors will dictate how far he ultimately progresses. His fitness and the ability to avoid injuries will be crucial for his long-term career, and it is something we need to monitor carefully,” Sindhu stated.
“What has been particularly uplifting during these last three weeks is his attitude. He has trained earnestly alongside me, Coach Irwan, and the broader team, and we are already beginning to see positive signs of development,” she added.
Ayush is set to face Y.Q. Shi of China in the final scheduled for Sunday.