For India’s top men’s doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, the bronze medal at the World Badminton Championships 2025 in Paris was more than just another podium finish. It was a reward at the end of a year marked by injuries, personal loss, and relentless mental battles.
The duo’s campaign ended in the semi-final with a 19-21, 21-18, 12-21 defeat by China’s Chen Bo Yang and Liu Yi. It was their second Worlds bronze, following their 2022 medal in Tokyo. But, beyond the scoreline, this one carried a deeper meaning.
The past 12 months have tested them in ways far beyond the court, reported The Indian Express. Chirag spent weeks sidelined with a back injury, while Satwik endured the personal heartbreak of losing his father earlier this year. The Olympic disappointment in Paris last year had also weighed heavily on their minds.
“It’s been a tough season, mentally and physically,” Satwik said after the loss. “So many things were happening in the background. Standing on the podium, I thought of my father. He would have been so happy, calling everyone. It was emotional for me.”
Chirag echoed the sentiment. “This medal feels like redemption. The past year wasn’t easy –there were injuries, doubts, and disappointments,” he said.
Their semi-final loss showed flashes of brilliance but also exposed inconsistency. After taking the second game, the Indians crumbled in the decider under relentless pressure from the Chinese pair.
Yet, victories earlier in the week against Malaysia’s Olympic medallists Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik reaffirmed their place among the elite.
“It’s about confidence and mental strength,” Satwik reflected. “We played well in patches, but we need to be stronger over the whole match.”
Despite missing out on a historic final, the bronze ensured India’s medal streak at the World Championships continued for the 14th straight year.
