Satwik-Chirag secure historic Asian Games Gold, capping off a stellar year

In a remarkable feat, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty clinched a historic gold medal in badminton at the Asian Games. The Indian pair defeated their Korean opponents in straight games, securing India's first-ever gold medal in badminton at the Asian Games.

The duo entered the court to a warm reception, akin to rockstars, at BJ Gymnasium. After an intense 57-minute match, they emerged victorious, with Chirag Shetty even tossing his sweaty t-shirt into an adoring crowd. The triumphant moment saw them dancing to the tune of a Bollywood hit, 'Dangal.'

Their impressive 21-18, 21-16 win marked India's long-awaited return to the podium in men's doubles at the Asian Games, with the last medal achieved in 1982. Satwik and Chirag showcased their attacking game, unleashing powerful smashes and determined play against their Korean opponents, Solgyu Choi and Wonho Kim.

Mastering the game

The Indian pair faced a tough start, with the Koreans taking an early lead. However, the Indians displayed resilience and took six consecutive points to secure the first game. In the second game, they seized control from the middle court, relying on flat smashes and quick drops.

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Coaches Mathias Boe and Pullela Gopichand played a pivotal role in guiding Satwik and Chirag to victory. They strategically positioned the players side by side rather than the conventional one behind the other to counter flat smashes, ensuring there were no gaps to exploit.

A triumph of power and skill

The win was a testament to the duo's power and skill, delivering strong and flat smashes. Satwik-Chirag's ability to attack relentlessly made them formidable opponents.

Coach Gopichand highlighted that the Asian Games presented a tougher challenge than the Olympics due to the high-caliber competition. Satwik and Chirag's exceptional performance against world champions and top-ranked pairs underscored their immense potential.

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In the annals of Indian badminton, this gold medal marked a historic moment, and it is clear that Satwik-Chirag have a bright future ahead, promising further success on the global stage.