No need to prove it to anyone: Satwik-Chirag simply want badminton to flourish

Satwiksiraj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty demanded credit for Indian badminton and when critics called on them to deliver, the star men’s doubles pair responded in the best way possible, winning the Singapore Open title. The pair, fresh from their first BWF World Tour crown in two years, insisted they had nothing left to prove and just wanted people to celebrate and support the sport.

The triumph came at the Singapore Open weeks after Satwik’s emotional remarks about the lack of recognition and support for badminton players despite their success on the global stage.

“I think some of our statements were out of proportion, but having said that, I think what we said was to celebrate the sport in any way possible. I think we don’t have to prove winning and losing to anybody. I think we won on the biggest stage and that’s not like a winning statement for anything,” Chirag Shetty told India Today during a virtual media interaction.

“We don’t want to prove anything to anyone. I would urge everyone to just promote the sport and enjoy the sport and be a part of the sport in any way possible. Our goal was not to prove anything to anyone. We won this tournament because we really wanted to, and we wanted to do it for this country that has given us so much. Our goal was for people to recognize and promote the sport as much as possible and do the sport,” he added.

Satwik and Chirag ended their long wait for the 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 on the back of Satwik’s candid remarks lack of support for former Thomas Cup champions during the 2026 edition of the tournament. India won the bronze medal in the 2026 Thomas Cup after losing to France in the semi-finals. The shuttler has been open about feeling neglected despite consistently delivering results for the country.

“I’m not getting support from my (Andhra Pradesh) government, I’m not getting support from anywhere. I’m all alone in this. I went out a bit that day and spoke. I’m not normally like that,” Satvik told India Today.

The Singapore Open title also noted a significant personal milestone for the couple, who have battled injuries and setbacks over the past two years. Despite remaining among the world’s top doubles combinations and reaching several finals during that period, the title has eluded them since 2023.

Now back on stage after one of the toughest phases of their careers, Satwik and Chirag believe their focus remains the same – to win titles, represent India and ensure more people engage in and celebrate the sport beyond just results.

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Published on:

01 Jun 2026 19:20 IST