India’s premier men’s doubles pair, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, delivered a landmark performance at the BWF World Tour Finals 2025, becoming the first Indian men’s doubles duo to qualify for the semifinals of the prestigious season-ending tournament.
The world No. 3 pair sealed their place in the last four with a stirring 17–21, 21–18, 21–15 comeback victory over world No. 2 Malaysians Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik, the Paris 2024 Olympic bronze medallists, on Friday.
The result was historic on multiple counts. Not only did it confirm a maiden semifinal appearance for an Indian men’s doubles pair at the World Tour Finals, but it also ensured Satwik and Chirag finished as Group B toppers, underlining their growing stature among the world’s elite.
The win carried added emotional weight as well, coming against the same Malaysian combination that had knocked them out at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, making this a moment of redemption on one of badminton’s biggest stages.
The contest began with Chia and Soh asserting early control. The Malaysians used their experience well in the opening game, keeping rallies flat and fast while targeting the Indian pair’s backcourt. Satwik and Chirag stayed competitive but conceded crucial points in the closing stages, allowing the Malaysians to pocket the first game 21–17.
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Refusing to let the match slip away, the Indians responded with greater clarity in the second game. Chirag tightened the defence at the net, while Satwik began to dominate from the rear court, unleashing his trademark power at the right moments. The tactical shift paid dividends as the Indians edged ahead in a tense second game, closing it out 21–18 to force a decider.
By the third game, momentum had firmly swung in India’s favour. Satwik and Chirag raised the tempo, controlled the mid-court exchanges and showed remarkable composure under pressure. Their rotation looked sharper, their communication clearer, and their shot selection more assured. As errors crept into the Malaysian camp, the Indian duo capitalised, pulling away decisively to take the final game 21–15 and seal a famous win.
The victory capped a flawless group-stage campaign for Satwik and Chirag in what was widely considered the toughest group of the tournament. They opened their World Tour Finals campaign with a gritty comeback win over China’s Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang, a pair known for their relentless attacking game.
That result set the tone for the week. In their second group match, the Indians produced another high-quality performance to defeat Indonesia’s Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Shohibul Fikri in three games, further strengthening their position in Group B.
With three wins from three matches, Satwik and Chirag advanced to the semifinals unbeaten, a testament to their consistency, adaptability and mental strength across the week. Their ability to recover from slow starts, adjust tactics mid-match and deliver under pressure has been a defining feature of their 2025 season, and it was on full display in Hangzhou.
The semifinal challenge, however, will be a familiar one. Satwik and Chirag are set to face China’s Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang once again, the very pair they defeated earlier in the group stage. While that previous win will provide confidence, the knockout stage presents a different level of intensity. The Chinese duo, playing in front of strong home support, will be keen to settle scores, making the semifinal a high-stakes tactical battle.
For Satwik and Chirag, the opportunity is enormous. A win in the semifinals would take them into their first-ever World Tour Finals title match, further cementing their place in Indian badminton history. Having already crossed one major milestone, the Indian pair now stand just two matches away from an unprecedented crown.
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Irrespective of what lies ahead, their performance in Hangzhou marks a significant moment for Indian men’s doubles. In a discipline where India has often struggled to break into the very top tier, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty have not only competed with the world’s best but beaten them consistently.
By topping their group and reaching the semifinals, they have sent out a clear message: Indian men’s doubles has arrived on the biggest stage and it is here to stay.
