Mumbai, April 13 -- Actor Suniel Shetty penned an encouraging and uplifting message for India's rising badminton star Ayush Shetty, who suffered a heartbreaking defeat to China's top seed, Shi Yu Qi, in the men's singles final of the Badminton Asia Championships 2026.

Taking to Instagram, Suniel wrote, "Proud proud proud of you Ayush. Finals don't define you... the journey does. Keep your head high & keep that fire burning. This is just the beginning of something very special."

Ayush, who had a remarkable campaign leading up to the final, struggled to keep up with the pace and precision of the World No. 2, as Shi dominated the contest to secure the title. The reigning world champion Shi won his first BAC title, 21-8, 21-10, in one of th...