The World's No. 3 Target is to Win in 2024 Olympics.

Badminton: The shuttler says the pressure of expectations will only help Indian badminton prosper as the players will relish the opportunity.

Jun 22, 2023 - 18:14
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The World's No. 3 Target is to Win in 2024 Olympics.
Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy.

Chirag Shetty believes that combining with R. Satwiksairaj is one of the defining moments of his career. The duo completed a historic men's doubles title-triumph in the recent Indonesia Open badminton championship. "Yes, in fact, for both of us it has been a decisive phase. Initially, I was sceptical for sure. But, when we look back now, it certainly was a very good decision", Chirag said. " Definitely, unlike in the past there are no definite roles for us. We are now adept in adapting to a given situation and our responses in a crisis have been really effective", Chirag said about their partnership. 

Chirag also said that there is a lot more to learn. He added that they needed to work on their defence even though they are steadier than before now. "Satwik is a very calm and composed guy, ensuring the pressure doesn't build up. We complement each other pretty well with a clear strategy going into a match", he said. Looking back at the Indonesia open doubles title, the 26-year-old Chirag said winning any title-be it in the Super 500 or Super 1000-would always be a big thing. Chirag and Satwik are now ranked World No. 3 and the former believed it would be a great boost as they prepare for bigger challenges. 

"Our ultimate target is to win a medal in the 2024 Paris Olympics once we seal our place. But, our immediate targets are being World No. 1,the World Championships and the Asian Games", he added. Chirag said that he is taking the pressure of expectations in a positive manner and that it has been there since they broke into the top 10 in 2019. " I feel this also means more and more people are interested in knowing about you and it is good for Indian badminton too", he said. "I also feel that we perform better if there is a little bit of pressure too or else we might become passive", he concluded. 

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