Winning Bronze at the 2025 BWF World Championships Feels Like a Redemption: Chirag Shetty

For Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, the bronze medal at the 2025 BWF World Championships in Paris meant much more than a podium finish. It marked redemption on the very court where they had once faced their biggest heartbreak.

“It feels like redemption,” Chirag said, reflecting on the emotional win that brought India its only medal from this edition of the championships. “Winning in two straight games was a huge boost, and a sort of redemption for last year’s Olympics, where we lost to them on the same court. So yeah, it feels really special.”

The world No. 9 Indian pair stunned Malaysia’s formidable duo of Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik—two-time Olympic medallists—in straight games in the quarterfinal, avenging a painful Olympic defeat and clinching a spot in the semis. That moment, Chirag said, was more valuable than the medal itself. “That win against Aaron is very special. More than the medal, just knowing that if we play the right game, we can beat anyone.”

Though the duo fell to China’s Chen Bo Yang and Liu Yi in the semifinals, they walked away with their second Worlds medal, joining legends Saina Nehwal and P.V. Sindhu as the only Indians with multiple World Championship podium finishes.

Despite leading 11-6 in the first game and taking the second, the Indian pair couldn’t hold off the Chinese in the decider, trailing 1-9 and never quite catching up. “The momentum shifted in the deciding game. They mixed it up with flick serves and kept us guessing,” Chirag admitted. “Looking back, maybe we should have been more patient instead of pressing for the kill from the first shot.”

This bronze extended India’s proud run of podium finishes at the World Championships since 2011. For Chirag, it was a sign that perseverance was paying off. “It makes it even more special because we’ve not had the best of years, both on and off the court. This win surely gives us hope and the belief that the hardships we’ve gone through were worthwhile.”

Satwik has dealt with injuries, personal loss, and illness over the past year, while Chirag has battled a recurring back issue. Yet, their focus remains clear.

“Our short-term goal is to be at our physical best,” Chirag said. “Then to reach a final and hopefully win. This year, we aim to play the season-ending World Tour Finals and go as deep as possible.”

Slow and steady, as Chirag puts it, India’s top doubles pair is on their way back to the top.