Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty demanded recognition for Indian badminton, and when critics challenged them to deliver results, the star men’s doubles pair responded in the best way possible, by winning the Singapore Open title. Fresh off their first BWF World Tour crown in two years, the duo insisted they have nothing left to prove and only want people to celebrate and support sport.
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The Singapore Open triumph came weeks after Satwik’s emotional remarks about the lack of recognition and support for badminton players despite their achievements on the global stage.
“I think some of our statements were blown out of proportion, but having said that, I think what we had said was to celebrate sports in any way possible. I think winning and losing, we don’t need to prove anybody a point. I think we’ve won at the biggest of stages, and this is not like a statement win for anything,” Chirag Shetty told India Today during a virtual media interaction.
“We don’t want to prove anybody any point. I would urge everybody to just promote sports and enjoy sports and be a part of sports in any way possible. Our aim was not to prove anybody anything. We won this tournament because we really wanted to, and we wanted to do it for this country, which has given so much to us. Our aim was that people recognise and promote sports as much as possible and play sports,” he added.
Satwik and Chirag ended their long wait for a title in style on Sunday, defeating Indonesia’s Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Shohibul Fikri 18-21, 21-17, 21-16 in the men’s doubles final. The victory earned them their ninth career World Tour title, third Super 750 crown and made them the first Indian men’s doubles pair to win the Singapore Open.
FROM FRUSTRATION TO VALIDATION
The win comes against the backdrop of Satwik’s candid remarks about the lack of support for the former Thomas Cup champions during the 2026 edition of the tournament. India won bronze medal in the 2026 Thomas Cup after losing to France in semifinas. The shuttler had spoken openly about feeling neglected despite consistently delivering results for the country.
“I do not get support from my government (Andhra Pradesh), I do not get support from anywhere. I am all alone in this. I went a little crack on that day and I spoke out. I am not normally like this,” Satwik had told India Today.
The Singapore Open title also marked a significant personal milestone for the pair, who have battled injuries and setbacks over the last two years. Despite remaining among the world’s top-ranked doubles combinations and reaching multiple finals during that period, a title had eluded them since 2023.
Now back on the podium after one of the toughest phases of their careers, Satwik and Chirag believe their focus remains unchanged – winning titles, representing India and ensuring that more people engage with and celebrate sport beyond just the results.
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
