India, April 12 -- It wasn't the ending India had hoped for, but it was still a historic run as Ayush Shetty's dream campaign at the Badminton Asia Championships 2026 came to an end in the final. World No.2 Shi Yuqi proved too strong on the day, securing gold with a dominant 21-8, 21-10 win over the 20-year-old Indian, who settled for silver, India's first men's singles medal at the tournament since 2018.

Ayush Shetty vs Shi Yuqi, Badminton Asia Championships 2026 Final

From the start, Shi Yuqi looked in complete control starting the first game with 6-2 lead. He kept the rallies tight, and didn't allow Shetty to settle into any rhythm. However, the 6 ft 5inc height of the Indian shuttler managed to overpower the chinese at some point bu...