When the Indian men's doubles pair of Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy walked into the arena in Paris for the 2025 BWF World Championships, there was more than just competition on their minds — there was redemption. After a heartbreaking exit from the Paris Olympics on the same courts just a year ago, the bronze medal in the same city now carries a poetic significance. “It feels like redemption,” Chirag Shetty said, reflecting on the emotional victory. Their performance not only ended India’s medal drought at the Worlds this year but also reaffirmed their place among India’s badminton elite.

The World No. 9 pair stunned Malaysia’s two-time Olympic bronze medallists Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik in straight games in the quarterfinals — a win that Chirag described as particularly satisfying. “More than the medal, just knowing that if we play the right game, we can beat anyone,” he noted. Their poor head-to-head record against the Malaysian pair made this victory sweeter, especially considering they had lost to the same duo during the Tokyo Olympics and again during the Paris Games in 2024. “Winning in two straight games was a huge boost,” Chirag added, calling it one of the most memorable wins of their careers.

This latest medal places Chirag and Satwik in a rarefied bracket in Indian badminton history. Alongside legends like Saina Nehwal and P.V. Sindhu, who have multiple World Championship medals to their names, SatChi — as they are popularly called — have now won two medals at the Worlds. Saina had won a silver and a bronze, while Sindhu boasts an impressive five World Championship medals, including gold in 2019. With this bronze, SatChi solidify their standing as one of India’s most successful men’s doubles pairs, and their consistency at the top level is helping redefine India’s reputation in a traditionally singles-dominated sport.

Their semifinal loss to China’s Chen Bo Yang and Liu Yi, however, was a tough pill to swallow. The Indian duo began strong, leading 11-6 in the first game and winning the second after a dip. But in the decider, they trailed early at 1-9 and couldn’t claw back. “The momentum shifted,” Chirag admitted. “They mixed it up with flick serves and kept us guessing. Looking back, maybe we should have been more patient instead of pressing for the kill from the first shot.” It was a tactical defeat as much as a physical one, and while the bronze is a moment of celebration, it also serves as a reminder that there’s more work to do.

This bronze also ensures that India’s streak of medalling at every World Championships since 2011 continues. From Saina’s breakthrough bronze in 2011 to Sindhu’s consistent dominance between 2013 and 2019, and now with doubles stepping up, Indian badminton is showing impressive depth. “It’s a great feat,” Chirag said. “All of us had tough draws, but to come out with two quarterfinals and one medal is special.” H.S. Prannoy also came close to another medal, narrowly losing to World No. 2 Anders Antonsen in the quarterfinals. For a country once seen as a one-off success story, India’s evolution into a consistent contender is now unquestionable.

For Chirag and Satwik, the focus now shifts to fitness and peaking at the right tournaments. Injuries have plagued both players throughout the season. Satwik dealt with a string of personal setbacks, including a family bereavement and recurring illness, while Chirag has been nursing a nagging back issue that impacted their training and match fitness. “Our short-term goal is to be at our physical best,” Chirag stated. “Then to reach a final and hopefully win. This year, we aim to qualify for the World Tour Finals and go as deep as possible.” It’s a roadmap not just for success, but also for stability and longevity at the highest level.

As Indian badminton moves into its next phase, the rise of doubles — both men’s and mixed — is a promising sign. With younger pairs such as Dhruv Kapila and Arjun MR showing potential, and experienced campaigners like Ashwini Ponnappa continuing to guide the women’s doubles setup, the infrastructure is strengthening. But Chirag and Satwik remain the flagbearers. Their latest bronze is more than a medal — it’s a symbol of resilience, growth, and India’s evolving badminton landscape. In a city that once brought heartbreak, they now walk away with vindication, pride, and the unshakeable belief that their best is yet to come.