Indian men’s singles badminton has a new name making waves on the World Tour Ayush Shetty.
The 20-year-old delivered the biggest win of his career so far at the Hong Kong Open Super 500, stunning Japan’s Kodai Naraoka, the 2023 World Championship silver medallist and current world No. 9, in a thrilling three-game battle. Shetty prevailed 21-19, 12-21, 21-14 in just under an hour, showcasing composure and tactical clarity against an opponent who has historically been a tough nut for Indian men’s singles to crack. With this win, Shetty stormed into the quarterfinals, setting up a much-anticipated all-Indian clash against Lakshya Sen.
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Kodai Naraoka has built his reputation as one of the most resilient players on the circuit, often dragging opponents into physically draining rallies. His head-to-head record against India’s best speaks volumes:
- 4-0 vs Srikanth Kidambi
- 6-1 vs HS Prannoy
- 5-2 vs Lakshya Sen
- 6-0 vs Priyanshu Rajawat
- 3-0 vs Subhankar Dey
For Indian fans, beating Naraoka has almost become a benchmark of breaking into the elite tier. Ayush Shetty, still only 20, managed to do what several established Indian names have struggled with outlasting the Japanese star both physically and tactically.
The opening game was fiercely contested, with Shetty keeping his nose ahead in the rallies and matching Naraoka’s retrieving ability. Playing with patience and control, he forced errors from the Japanese shuttler to snatch the opener 21-19. Naraoka, true to his reputation, responded strongly in the second game. He upped the pace, extended rallies, and forced Shetty into defensive positions. The Indian youngster struggled to break free and slipped to a 12-21 defeat, leaving the match evenly poised. But what stood out was Shetty’s response in the decider. Instead of being overwhelmed, he showed maturity beyond his years. Mixing up his strokes, staying composed under pressure, and not shying away from aggressive opportunities, Shetty pulled away after the mid-game interval.
As the rallies wore on, Naraoka looked unusually rattled, while Shetty looked fresher and sharper. He closed out the third game 21-14, sealing a statement win.
A Breakthrough on the World Tour
This victory is not just about reaching the quarterfinals. It is symbolic of Ayush Shetty’s arrival on the big stage. Beating a former world No. 2 and one of the most consistent players on the circuit marks him as a player to watch in the next Olympic cycle. At just 20, Shetty has already displayed the ability to adapt under pressure, manage long rallies, and maintain mental clarity against opponents known for grinding down rivals. His discipline in defence combined with his willingness to step forward in attack made the difference against Naraoka.
Awaiting Shetty in the last eight is Lakshya Sen, India’s most established men’s singles star of the current generation. Lakshya, a former All England finalist and Commonwealth Games gold medallist, has long carried the hopes of Indian men’s singles. Interestingly, Sen and Shetty share a bond that extends beyond this match both hail from Karnataka and have trained extensively in India’s elite badminton centers. The quarterfinal is more than just a contest between two Indians; it represents a generational moment. Lakshya, still only 24, is the flagbearer of India’s men’s singles, while Shetty is the young gun rising rapidly.
Their clash guarantees India a semifinalist in Hong Kong, but it also sparks questions about the future could Shetty be the next big star to share the stage with Sen?
Ayush Shetty’s win carries weight for multiple reasons:
- Breaking the Kodai Jinx: Indian players across generations have struggled against Naraoka’s relentless style. Shetty’s ability to overcome him is a psychological breakthrough for Indian men’s singles.
- Confidence Booster: Beating a top-10 player at a Super 500 event is a massive step forward in self-belief for a youngster still carving his place on the tour.
- Depth in Men’s Singles: With HS Prannoy recovering from injury and Srikanth Kidambi struggling for form, Shetty’s emergence adds depth to India’s men’s singles contingent heading towards future big events like the 2026 Thomas Cup and 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Ayush Shetty’s immediate test is against Lakshya Sen, and regardless of the result, this week has already elevated his stature. A semifinal berth would be a dream run, but even the quarterfinal appearance especially earned through a scalp like Kodai Naraoka is a major boost.
Long term, Shetty’s challenge will be consistency. The men’s singles field is crowded with talent, and sustaining success week after week is the hallmark of elite players. But for now, the signs are promising. His maturity against Naraoka suggests he has both the physical engine and mental toughness needed for the grind of the World Tour. The Hong Kong Open 2025 has given Indian badminton a fresh storyline the rise of Ayush Shetty. His win over Kodai Naraoka is not just another upset; it is a marker of intent from a player beginning to find his place on the world stage.
With an all-Indian quarterfinal against Lakshya Sen on the horizon, Indian fans can celebrate both the present and the future. For Ayush Shetty, though, the journey has only just begun.
