The rise & rise of Satwik and Chirag

Indian duo become first pair from country to capture BWF World Tour Super 1000 event with success at Indonesia

- ANMOL GURUNG

THE sky is the limit for Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, a supremely talented doubles pair from the country.

Over the years, they have made a habit of rewriting history books with enchanting performances. Before their arrival, this was a far-fetched dream as India could never quite stand toe-to-toe against other elite badminton nations in the men’s doubles section.

Sunday was yet another red-letter day for the Asian champions.

Playing in front of a raucous crowd in badminton-crazy Jakarta, Satwik and Chirag were in their elements as they captured the Indonesia Open title, thereby winning a BWF Super 1000-level crown for the first time in their career. This is monumental given that the cream of sport were fighting for the top prize and valuable points for Olympic qualification. Incidentally, this is the first time a doubles pair from the country has achieved the same. “Winning in Indonesia is really special. One of our dream tournaments. When we were starting, it was about at least getting an entry to play at Istora. From there, to now winning it, it’s been a long journey,” Satwik told reporters later.