Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, Chirag Shetty Script History In Hangzhou; Claim Maiden Asian Games Badminton Gold

New Delhi: Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty scripted history by becoming the first-ever Indians to win the gold medal at the Asian Games. They defeated Choi Soi Gyu and Kim Won Ho of Korea in the final 21-18, 21-16 on Saturday.

’s Historic Gold in Badminton @satwiksairaj and @Shettychirag04 soar to victory in the Badminton Men’s Doubles finals, clinching the coveted Gold Medal for the 1⃣st time ever in the Asian Games history

Their incredible teamwork and unwavering spirit have made India… pic.twitter.com/iRqNLRHTs2

— SAI Media (@Media_SAI) October 7, 2023

This is fifth title for the Indian pair in 2023. Earlier, the Satwik-Chirag duo won Swiss Open 2023, Badminton Asia Championships 2023, Indonesia Open 2023 and Korea Open 2023. On Friday, the Satwiksairaj and Chirag had defeated Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik of Malaysia in the semifinals.

They had won 21-17, 21-12. With this win the Indian pair became World No.1. This is also India’s second badminton medal after HS Prannoy’s men’s single bronze and men’s team silver. The Indian pair made multiple mini comebacks to win the opening game in 29 minutes.

But, in the second game, the Indians put their rivals under pressure and sealed the match that lasted 57 minutes. India had won a silver and bronze in the 2018 edition at Jakarta, while bagging five bronze at the 1982 edition.

It was also India’s first medal in men’s doubles in 41 years since Leroy D’sa and Pradeep Gandhe won a bronze in 1982 edition. The medal ensured India’s best-ever performance at the continental champions as they ended with three medals.

The Indians came into the summit clash with a 2-0 head-to-head count against their opponent. It seemed like a tricky affair as Satwik and Chirag lagged in most part of the opening game which saw both teams producing an immaculate display of attack.

No words needed for this incredible duo!
1st ever Gold Medal for us in Badminton at the @19thAGofficial #IndiaAtAG22 | #WeAreTeamIndia @Shettychirag04 @satwiksairaj pic.twitter.com/XP5Du6TxvV

— Team India (@WeAreTeamIndia) October 7, 2023

However, the Indian duo kept snapping at the heels of the Koreans and pipped them after overturning a four-point deficit in the opening game in the final moments. Thereafter, it was a commanding show as Satwik and Chirag slowed down the rallies and kept their nose ahead right from the start to come up trumps.

It was a slugfest from the beginning as the two pairs engaged in a battle of supremacy. The Koreans were up 6-3 with the Indians missing a few shots. Chirag took some time to get his angles and attack working for him as they narrowed the lead to 7-9.

A booming smash from Satwik and a lucky net cord helped the Indians further cut the deficit before Choi and Kim grabbed a narrow two-point advantage at the break. A series of fast exchanges ensued after resumption with Satwik and Chirah clawing back at 13-13.

Kim looked in awesome form as he charged towards the net and also made a fine return to serve to again establish a two-point lead. At 17-18, the two pairs engaged in a long fast-paced rally with the Indians clawing back and then Chirag took them to 19-18 with another smash.

The Indian combination dished out two clever serve with Satwik sealing it with a winner in the end. The Indian pair slightly tweaked its strategy, directing the shots more towards Choi and varying the pace of the rallies and also looking for placements and angles to lead 8-4. Satwik and Chirag then grabbed a 11-7 lead after the Koreans went long.

The pace went up again post interval as the Koreans made it 11-12 but the Indians again pulled away to 16-12. A net error by Choi put India four points away from the gold. Another long shot from the Koreans and a good serve saw the Indians lead 19-14. The Indian soon earned five match points and they sealed the match when the Koreans made a unforced error.

With this title, the legend of Satwik and Chirag only grew as they now have an Asian Games gold to go with 2022 Commonwealth Games gold, 2022 Thomas Cup title and the 2022 World Championships bronze. The duo also won the Asia Championships gold, Indonesia Super 1000, Korea Super 500 and Swiss Open Super 300 this year.