New Delhi [India], August 10 : Indian shuttler and Asian Championship silver medalist Ayush Shetty spoke on his opening-round Badminton World Federation (BWF) World Championships clash against defending champion and world number one Shi Yuqi, saying that it would be a "tough battle", noting that one has to work really hard mentally while playing against him.
The championships will be held from August 17-23 at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Arena, New Delhi. In one of the most exciting first-round matches, the Asian Championships silver medallist Ayush Shetty will be pitted against defending champion and top seed Shi Yuqi of China.
Speaking in a media interaction ahead of the tournament, he said that he was watching the tournament draw live, but "did not give much of a reaction" on finding out that the Chinese player was his opponent, saying that while it would be a tough game, it is just another match for him.
"I was watching it live, and as soon as I was, you know, I got it with Shi Yuqi; I think I was ready to face anyone as I was unseeded. So I think I was prepared to even, you know, play the world number one. So yeah, I think I did not give much of a reaction. It is just another match, and it will be a really tough battle," he said.
Recalling his Asian Championship final against Shi Yuqi back in April, which Ayush lost 8-21, 10-21, the Indian said that the world number one is a "really tough opponent", but backs himself to do well, given the amount of improvement and analysis that has gone into his game since then.
"I think Shi Yuqi is a really tough opponent to play against. I remember my match against him in the Asia Championship final. I think he was really prepared. But I think, you know, I have gotten better and, you know, I have been analysing my match (against Shi Yuqi), and I think we will be better prepared this time. And also, you know, like you said, the mental aspect, I think you really have to work hard playing against him," said the shuttler.
The 21-year-old is making his World Championship debut and that too on his own soil. The youngster feels the pressure and excitement both ahead of the competition, and the occasion is really special for him.
"There is pressure. But I think it is more of an excitement, you know, playing at home. I think it is a really special feeling. And it is also my World Championship debut. So I think I am really excited for it," he said.
Previously, India had last hosted the World Championships back in 2009 in Hyderabad. Since then, Indian badminton has made a lot of strides, with India capturing multiple medals at the Olympics and PV Sindhu also becoming the first-ever Indian world champion back in 2019. Also, when Ayush was in his teens, Team India made history by securing the first-ever Thomas Cup title back in 2022, a tournament considered the most prestigious team tournament in the sport. Shetty's silver medal at the Asian Championships last year is also one of those positives for India.
Since the time India last hosted the world meet, Shetty can feel this growth first-hand, remarking that a 14-year-old of today has way better facilities than someone that age 17 years back.
"I do not really remember the 2009 tournament. But I think when I was 14 years old, I definitely did not have the support system I think a 14-year-old has now. Even though I think I was pretty well in India, I think I was among the top five All-India players. But I think right now, I think the sport has grown really well. Especially, you know, you have physio, you have a trainer. I mean, in India, badminton has really grown," he said.
"I think it is really good to see. World Championships in India, I think there will be a lot more people seeing. I think it is definitely a good thing for badminton. And I hope Indian badminton does well in this World Championships," he signed off.