Ayush Shetty Set for BWF World Championships Debut on Home Soil

Ayush Shetty has spent years dreaming of playing at the BWF World Championships. Later this month, the 21-year-old will realise that ambition on home soil as one of four Indian debutants set to feature when the tournament returns to India for the first time in 17 years.

Joining Ayush are women’s singles prospect Unnati Hooda and women’s doubles pair Simran Singhi and Kavipriya Selvam, highlighting the emergence of a new generation of Indian shuttlers alongside established names such as PV Sindhu, Lakshya Sen and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy-Chirag Shetty.

Ayush Shetty embraces biggest test of his career

Ayush’s debut could hardly be more demanding, with the Indian drawn against defending champion and world No. 1 Shi Yu Qi in the opening round.

Despite the challenge, the Karnataka shuttler is relishing the opportunity to compete at badminton’s biggest individual event in front of home fans.

“To make my debut at the World Championships, and to do so when India is hosting the event after 17 years, is incredibly special,” Ayush told PTI.

The 21-year-old arrives in strong form after establishing himself on the senior circuit over the past two seasons.

Ayush Shetty earned World Championships chance

Ayush has steadily built his reputation since winning bronze at the 2023 BWF World Junior Championships.

He lifted the US Open Super 300 title in 2025 before making more history earlier this year by becoming the first Indian men’s singles player since Dinesh Khanna in 1965 to reach the Badminton Asia Championships final.

Victories over Li Shi Feng, Jonatan Christie and Olympic silver medallist Kunlavut Vitidsarn during that run underlined his growing credentials before he eventually settled for silver.

“Growing up, the World Championships was one of the tournaments I always looked forward to watching. Like every young badminton player, I dreamed of one day earning the chance to compete on that stage.

> “I’ve worked hard to be here and I want to make the most of this opportunity. Competing against some of the best players in the world is the ultimate challenge, and I’m looking forward to testing my game, embracing the occasion and giving everything I have on court. Having home support behind me will make it even more memorable.”

Unnati Hooda and doubles pair complete India’s debutant contingent

Ayush is not the only Indian youngster preparing for a World Championships debut.

Teenage sensation Unnati Hooda, already the youngest Indian to win a BWF World Tour title, will open her campaign against Myanmar’s Thet Htar Thuzar, while women’s doubles pair Simran Singhi and Kavipriya Selvam will also make their maiden appearances at the tournament.

For all four players, the World Championships represent more than a debut. With India hosting badminton’s showpiece event after a 17-year wait, the tournament offers the country’s next generation an opportunity to gain invaluable experience on the sport’s biggest stage while announcing themselves to the global badminton audience.