Ayush Shetty Prepares for India Open Challenge Against Lakshya Sen
Indian badminton player Ayush Shetty approaches his debut at the India Open Super 750 with confidence and excitement. The tournament begins on Tuesday at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi. Shetty faces a familiar opponent in the first round: fellow Indian and home favorite Lakshya Sen.
"It's my first time at the India Open. I have always wanted to play here. I will be looking for home support even though I'm playing home favourite Lakshya Sen," Shetty said ahead of the much-anticipated match.
Breakthrough Season in 2025
Ayush Shetty currently holds the 32nd rank in men's singles. He enjoyed a remarkable 2025 season. Shetty clinched the US Open Super 500 title last year. He also defeated several top-ranked players, including Chou Tien Chen, Loh Kean Yew, and Kodai Naraoka.
More recently, Shetty triumphed over local favorite Lee Zii Jia at the Malaysia Open Super 1000. This victory provides him with inspiration as he prepares to face Lakshya Sen in New Delhi.
Consistent Rise and Senior-Level Challenges
Shetty's journey to the top levels of badminton began with a bronze medal at the 2023 Junior World Championships. Transitioning to the senior circuit presented significant challenges.
"You have to play so many good players and stay consistent but I've managed to do pretty well. My consistency helped me break into the top 30 and the plan is to enter the top 20 or top 15 in the world," he explained.
Last week, Shetty faced world number one Shi Yuqi in the quarter-finals of the Malaysia Open. He won the second game but ultimately lost the match. Shetty reflected on the experience.
"Playing a top player like Shi is very challenging. I had a lead in the first game but he won it. I fought back hard in the second and pushed it to a decider. However, physically he is much stronger than me and that's what made the difference," Shetty told The Indian Express.
"After that match, I have clarity that I need to improve a lot in order to compete against the world's best."
Embracing the Limelight and Big Tournaments
Apart from competing against elite players, Shetty now experiences the pressures of the spotlight and major tournaments. He views this as a mental challenge but remains enthusiastic.
"It's a mental challenge and a new one for me. But I am excited to play in tournaments like the All England and the Super 1000s. Given that I have played the top players already, I know the intensity and how to navigate my way," he said.
The 2026 season offers Shetty numerous opportunities to demonstrate his skills. The calendar includes regular tour events, the Asian Games, and the World Championships in August, which will take place on home soil in India.
Focus on Physical Improvement
Ayush Shetty has trained under Danish legend Peter Gade, alongside two-time Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen. During a promotional event last month, Gade highlighted Shetty's need to enhance his physical power.
"Ayush is the next Indian shuttler in line. He needs to build a strong base physically. His defence is good and attack comes naturally to him. He needs to build himself strong physically," Gade stated.
"In order to move from the top 30-top 20 in the world and into the top five-top 10 in the world, you need the base to be stronger. Playing style and technical things are set after a certain age but one can always catch up on the physical aspect of the game."
Shetty agrees with this assessment. "There is a lot of room for improvement in endurance and the power part of my game. I have worked with Peter on it and I'll keep improving with time," he affirmed.
First-Round Battle Against Lakshya Sen
Both Ayush Shetty and world number 13 Lakshya Sen hail from the Centre for Badminton Excellence (CBA), formerly known as the Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy (PPBA).
"It's a bit unfortunate that Indian fans will see two of us clashing in the very first round. But I am excited to face him and it is going to be a good match," Shetty remarked.
The two shuttlers have met twice before, at the Australian Open and Hong Kong Open. Lakshya Sen emerged victorious on both occasions.
"We had some great matches last year, although I lost both of them. I hope to be on the winning side this year," Shetty concluded with optimism.
