India, April 11 -- Ayush Shetty, remember the name. A new era of Indian badminton begins. Just 20 years old, ranked outside the elite, the Indian shuttler stands on the brink of history as he has stormed into the final of the Badminton Asia Championship 2026, defeating none other than the reigning world No.1 and defending champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn in a stunning semifinal comeback. In a tournament where India's biggest names like Lakshya Sen, PV Sindhu and HS Prannoy fell early, Shetty refused to follow the script and secured the silver medal. 

Ayush Shetty vs Kunlavut Vitidsarn

Shetty remains the only Indian in the tournament and in the semifinal the 20-year-old was written off after losing the first game 10-21.  ...