Star Indian badminton duo Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty have received a favorable draw for the upcoming Paris Olympics, set to begin on July 26. The pair, who have consistently demonstrated their prowess on the international stage, are seeded third in the men’s doubles competition.
Satwik, 23, and Chirag, 27, have had an impressive track record leading up to the Olympics. Their notable achievements include winning gold at both the Thomas Cup and Commonwealth Games in 2022. Additionally, they clinched the title at the 2023 Asia Championships and went on to secure victories at the French Open Super 750 and Thailand Open Super 500. Their successful run also saw them reach two more finals in 2024, showcasing their continued dominance in the sport.
The group stage will see Satwik and Chirag compete against the world No. 31 German pair of Mark Lamsfuss and Marvin Seidel, as well as the world No. 43 French duo Lucas Corvee and Ronan Labar. Despite the competition, the Indian pair’s strong form and high seeding position them well for advancing further in the tournament.
The draw for the men’s doubles event was postponed last Friday due to a Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) hearing regarding the number of pairs in the draw. Initially, the sport’s world governing body, the Badminton World Federation (BWF), had organized a 16-pair draw.
However, the CAS ordered the BWF to recommend to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) the inclusion of Corvee and Labar in the Olympic Games. This ruling led to the inclusion of the French pair, resulting in a revised 17-pair men’s doubles draw.
This unexpected development adds a layer of complexity to the competition, but Satwik and Chirag’s consistent performance history and strategic prowess on the court are expected to serve them well.
Their recent successes have cemented their status as formidable contenders, and their favorable draw enhances their chances of advancing deep into the tournament.
As the Paris Olympics approach, the Indian duo remains focused and prepared to take on the best in the world. Their journey through the tournament will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, who have high hopes for their performance on the Olympic stage. With their recent track record and a favorable draw, Satwik and Chirag are poised to make a significant impact at the Paris Olympics, potentially bringing home a coveted medal for India.
